My Unbroken Chain Poem by Lee Janes

My unbroken chain, mingling heart with heart.
You I cherished, embracing with all my heart and soul,
As though a virgin bride; even as Elm loves vine,
Sharing coeval branches, twined foliage,
Praying for bountiful autumn, rejoicing to be wreathed
In the beloved clusters. Women who lack the moral
Virtues are praised for their gift of beauty;
They have the false esteem, but lack the true.
Your birth was splendid, your aspect pleasing
As I could desire; but greater the dignity
That came from yourself-to cherish one flame.

If I offer the wealth of Babylon, the weight
Of Lydian treasure, the potent riches of Indian
And Arabians; belief would she rather die
In chaste poverty, paying life for reputation,
Armed bands, lightning fire or the hazards
Of mid ocean for her love? I fall through
Liquid air that bear laurels of my dove,
Outstripping the sun in her heated flight,
Beneath Atlas' daughters in mid sky