Her Refrain

"Do you love me?" she said, when the skies were blue, 
And we walked where the stream through the branches glistened; 
And I told and retold her my love was true, 
While she listened and smiled, and smiled and listened. 

"Do you love me?" she whispered, when days were drear, 
And her eyes searched mine with a patient yearning; 
And I kissed her, renewing the words so dear, 
While she listened and smiled, as if slowly learning. 

"Do you love me?" she asked, when we sat at rest 
By the stream enshadowed with autumn glory; 
Her cheek had been laid as in peace on my breast, 
But she raised it to ask for the sweet old story. 

And I said: "I will tell her the tale again— 
I will swear by the earth and the stars above me!" 
And I told her that uttermost time should prove 
The fervor and faith of my perfect love; 
And I vowed it and pledged it that nought should move, 
While she listened and smiled in my face, and then 
She whispered once more, "Do you truly love me?"