I demanded beauty, tasking
Heaven with my asking:
I dared command
Lords of a greater land.
I, who could petition so,
How little did I know!
Fast on beauty's name
Came this blinding flame…
Such prayers are always granted,—
But beauty was not what I wanted;
(I, that asked to sing,
Sought not this shattering thing …)
Not for searing fire
Was my small desire;
You that pray to unknown lords,
Guard your words!