Thine deathless sympathy through Life’s brief span,
Through cloud and sunshine—thine, when serpents hiss,
The dove’s pure breast. Self mars e’en Friendship’s plan;
And thou the sole true friend and confident of Man!
VII.
Yet long in secret nourished was the flame,
Ere either had declared it—ere ’twas known,
Save by themselves, to aught that bore their name.
The rapturous joy more rapture gave alone.
From eye to eye had Love in glances flown,