PARTING AT MORNING. OUND the cape of a sudden came the sea, And the sun looked over the mountain's rim: And straight was a path of gold for him, And the need of a world of men for me. ROBERT BROWNING. A FAREWELL. ITH all my will, but much against my heart, We two now part. My Very Dear, Our solace is, the sad road lies so clear. It needs no art, With faint, averted feet And many a tear, In our opposed paths to persevere. Go thou to East, I West. We will not say There's any hope, it is so far away. But, O my Best, When the one darling of our widowhood, The nursling Grief, Is dead, And no dews blur our eyes To see the peach-bloom come in evening skies, Perchance we may, Where now this night is day, And even through faith of still averted feet, The bitter journey to the bourne so sweet COVENTRY PATMORE. “THE PITY OF IT." GOF OUR love may fail, Lily, 25 What will mere life avail, Lily, Mere life avail! Seed that promised blossom, Withered in the mould, Pale petals overblowing, Failing from the gold! When the fervent fingers Listlessly unclose, May the life that lingers Find repose, Lily, Find repose! Who may dream of all the music Only a lover hears, Hearken to hearts triumphant Bearing down the years? Ah! may eternal anthems dwindle To a low sound of tears? Room in all the ages For our love to grow Prayers of both demanded And now a few poor moments, Between life and death, May be proven all too ample For love's breath! Seed that promised blossom, I well believe the fault lay But I feel the shadow closing Cold about us two. An hour may yet be yielded us, Or a very little more; Then a few tears, and silence For evermore, Lily, For evermore ! HON. RODEN NOEL. |