II.

This may aid somewhat. Too close an interpretation cannot be permitted in any poem: ’twould make some of the most exquisite poetic thought of literature ridiculous and nonsensical. The true poetic nature never needs more in the interpretation of any poem than the title and the naked poem itself to suggest thoughts and images infinitely more beautiful than explanation can possibly make them.

A MODERN TRAGEDY AVERTED.
He (in despondency).

Heartless! heartless! Oh,

I know!

Tho’ your heart forget me

And my own be turned to stone;

Tho’ no day may let me

Claim my loved one as my own,