Tho’ my love is yours, ’twere far better,
Our paths separately should trend;
Than start together, and then diverge,
Nor accomplish the journey’s end.
I CLOSE MINE EYES
I CLOSE mine eyes, and see you dear
As in the dear, dead days;
The tender grace, and strength of poise,
Marking you from the rest apart.
And oh! it seems as if I must
Enfold you to my heart.
I close mine eyes, and see you dear
As in the dear, dead days;
The hair’s soft fall over the brow,
Within your eyes love’s ardent light,
It cannot be! it cannot be!
My day has turned to night.
I close mine eyes, and see you dear
As in the dear, dead days;
Before love’s bitter aftermath
Whose penalty ’tis mine to know.
Oh! come to me from out its void!
I need you so! I need you so.
UNDERSTANDING
YOU have not spoken the word, dear,
But I know! I know!
It came to me of a-sudden
How you loved me so!
A glance which escaped unguarded,
The truth made plain.
I’ve hugged its memory to me
Over, and over again!
You have not spoken the word, dear,
But I know! I know!
It came to me of a-sudden
How you loved me so!
A breath, with a catch in the taking,—
And my world, you see,
Became changed,—for I love you, dear!
As you love me!