Sonnet V. Joy in desire more than desire of joy
By John Barlas
Joy in
desire more
than desire of joy Hath ever
been my passion mute from far To
love an unknown woman like a star to build
in dreams no walking could destroy Some island-
palace far from life's annoy; By strength of spirit to force
the silver bar Of twilight till the dawn-gates stood ajar, And
gaze on Paradise, a dazzled boy; To look forth o'er the oce-
an's grey-lit foam In the dim morning; and in starry night
Upon the myriad-mustered worlds above; To emul-
ate the unequalled, Greece and Rome, He-
roe's and deeds, the heads of faith
and fight; To adore thee whom
I may scarcely
love.