Volume Ii Part 91 (2/2)
I stayed to watch, a little s.p.a.ce, Her parted lips if she would sing; The waters closed above her face With many a ring.
And still I stayed a little more: Alas, she never comes again!
I throw my flowers from the sh.o.r.e, And watch in vain.
I know my life will fade away, I know that I must vainly pine, For I am made of mortal clay, But she's divine!
Thomas Hood [1799-1845]
”TRIPPING DOWN THE FIELD-PATH”
Tripping down the field-path, Early in the morn, There I met my own love 'Midst the golden corn; Autumn winds were blowing, As in frolic chase, All her silken ringlets Backward from her face; Little time for speaking Had she, for the wind, Bonnet, scarf, or ribbon, Ever swept behind.
Still some sweet improvement In her beauty shone; Every graceful movement Won me,--one by one!
As the breath of Venus Seemed the breeze of morn, Blowing thus between us, 'Midst the golden corn.
Little time for wooing Had we, for the wind Still kept on undoing What we sought to bind.
Oh! that autumn morning In my heart it beams, Love's last look adorning With its dream of dreams: Still, like waters flowing In the ocean sh.e.l.l, Sounds of breezes blowing In my spirit dwell; Still I see the field-path;-- Would that I could see Her whose graceful beauty Lost is now to me!
Charles Swain [1801-1874]
LOVE NOT
Love not, love not, ye hapless sons of clay!
Hope's gayest wreaths are made of earthly flowers-- Things that are made to fade and fall away, When they have blossomed but a few short hours.
Love not, love not!
Love not, love not! The thing you love may die-- May perish from the gay and gladsome earth; The silent stars, the blue and smiling sky, Beam on its grave as once upon its birth.
Love not, love not!
Love not, love not! The thing you love may change, The rosy lip may cease to smile on you; The kindly beaming eye grow cold and strange; The heart still warmly beat, yet not be true.
Love not, love not!
Love not, love not! O warning vainly said In present years, as in the years gone by!
Love flings a halo round the dear one's head, Faultless, immortal--till they change or die!
Love not, love not!
<script>