BELVEDERE (SOUTH ELEVATION)

If I had riches I would
Build you a belvedere,
Set on a hilltop high.
Warm winds and fair would find you,
Gently caress your skin,
More fortunate than I.

Out of my southern fastness
White horses I would send
With messages for you.
I'd stand and scan the heavens
For wings and joyful song,
To ease my grief for you.

Then as the dark descended
I'd ride across the hills
To see your flickering light,
A moth that seeks the candle
But dares not fly too near
Lest he should lose his sight.

Yes, I will keep my distance:
I have no claim on you,
Nor could you live unfree.
But from afar I'll watch you
And keep you safe from harm
While you have need of me.

Whoever solves your riddles
And comes to claim your hand
No word of me shall hear,
Unless his heart be open
To read the secrets hid
Within my belvedere.