Pearls

I am the happiest woman in this chamber 
Filled full of happy women, though I know 
I gave my pearls for a pale string of amber 
That has forgot the sea that loved it so. 
I do not grudge my pearls — they would grow duller 
Left in my keeping; now they are most fair, 
Sea-changes shall not dim their moonlight colour 
Although they grace another woman's hair. 

I gave my pearls — if careless grow the keeping, 
In after years the fault were surely mine: 
And I shall mourn it ere I fall to sleeping. 
To-night I drink delight poured out like wine; 
To-night my heart is light as any feather, 
I wear no pearls, I have no tears to shed, 
To-night I wear heart's-ease and joy together. 
May my pearls bring few tears — when I am dead!