If on isle of the sea br I have to tarry, br With one book, let it be br A Dictionary. br For though I love life's scene, br It seems absurd, br My greatest joy has been br The printed word. br br Though painter with delight br May colours blend, br They are but in his sight br Means to an end. br Yet while I harmonise br Or pattern them, br A precious word I prize br Like to a gem. br br A fiddler lures fine tone br From gut and wood; br A sculptor from stark stone br Shapes godlihood. br But let me just caress, br Like silver birds, br For their own loveliness-- br Bewitching words.