Since Time began, the sun has wooed with fire
Vast, virgin solitudes of polar snows;
And on each marvelous, icy Kremlin throws
The scintillant rays of its supreme desire.

A thought responsive it may ne'er inspire;
The gaunt bergs move not from their bleak repose;
But, with pure, lingering loves that never tire,
It offers still one grand auroral rose.

Patient and pleading, ever thrust aside,
I watch o'er thee, O fair and distant goal!
Cruelly conscious of thy utter right,
But nobler far than thy poor, paltry pride,
I, with the gold auroras of my soul,
Deluge thy frozen heart with lavish light!