Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1822.pdf/70

 69

Literary Gazette, 19th October, 1822, Pages 664

(SONGS ON ABSENCE)

Dearest! wander where you will, I am present with you still: Over land and over sea, Every thought will follow thee. Be thy flights but short as those The honey-bee takes from the rose, Or long as nights without a star, My heart will be where you are. You may change, but I will be The very self of constancy. - - - - Woman's heart 's a fragile thing, Born for much of suffering: Like a lute which has a tone Sacred to itself alone,— However rude the hand that flings Its touch upon the gentle strings, Music 'wakened in that heart Will not but with life depart— Even in its latest sigh Breathes that native melody. Love is woman's life, the whole Hope, pride, harmony of soul! - - - I do ask no plighted vow; Tis enough for me to bow, Like a flower before the sun, Blest but to be shone upon. Yet I'd pray thee not forget The rose shade where first we met: I would have thee sometimes dwell On that twilight hour's farewell. Be thou faithful, life to me Will be one dream of ecstasy; Be thou false, my heart will make No reproach—but love and break! L. E. L.