The rain was ending, and light br Lifting the leaden skies. br It shone upon ceiling and floor br And dazzled a child's eyes. br br Pale after fever, a captive br Apart from his schoolfellows, br He stood at the high room's window br With face to the pane pressed close, br br And beheld an immense glory br Flooding with fire the drops br Spilled on miraculous leaves br Of the fresh green lime--tree tops. br br Washed gravel glittered red br To a wall, and beyond it nine br Tall limes in the old inn yard br Rose over the tall inn sign. br br And voices arose from beneath br Of boys from school set free, br Racing and chasing each other br With laughter and games and glee. br br To the boy at the high room--window, br Gazing alone and apart, br There came a wish without reason, br A thought that shone through his heart. br br I'll choose this moment and keep it, br He said to himself, for a vow, br To remember for ever and ever br As if it were always now.