Of the glimmering East the sun has burst,
With his hot life filling the waiting air.
She kissed me once,—that last and first
Of her maiden kisses was placid as prayer.
Against all comers I sat with lance
In rest, and, drunk with my joy, I sware
Defiance and scorn to the world's worst chance.
In vain! for soon unhorsed I lay
At the feet of the strong god Circumstance—
And never again shall break the day,
And never again shall fall the night
That shall light me, or shield me, on my way
To the presence of my sad soul's delight.
Her dead love comes like a passionate ghost
To mourn the Body it held so light,
And Fate, like a hound with a purpose lost,
Goes round bewildered with shame and fright.
Through the long days and years
What will my loved one be,
Parted from me?
Through the long days and years.
Always as then she was
Loveliest, brightest, best,
Blessing and blest,—
Always as then she was.
Never on earth again
Shall I before her stand,
Touch lip or hand,—
Never on earth again.
But while my darling lives
Peaceful I journey on,
Not quite alone,
Not while my darling lives.