Walter Murdoch (1874–1970). The Oxford Book of Australasian Verse. 1918.

100. Light and Dark

NOT the soul that’s whitest

Wakens love the sweetest:

When the heart is lightest

Oft the charm is fleetest.

While the snow-frail maiden,

Waits the time of learning,

To the passion laden

Turn with eager yearning.

While the heart is burning

Heaven with earth is banded:

To the stars returning

Go not empty-handed.

Ah, the snow-frail maiden!

Somehow truth has missed her,

Left the heart unladen

For its burdened sister.