Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1825.pdf/22

21 Literary Gazette, 11th June, 1825, Page 379

ORIGINAL POETRY. FAREWELL. One word, altho' that word may pass Almost neglected by; With no more care than what the glass Bears of a passing sigh:

One word to breathe of love to thee, One low, one timid word, To say thou are beloved by me— But, rather felt than heard.

I would I were a favourite flower, Within thy hand to pine; Life could not have a dearer power Than making such fate mine.

I would I were a tone of song, Upon thine ear to die; A rose's breath, that, borne along, I might mix with thy sigh.

I do not wish thy heart were won;— Mine own, with such excess, Would, like the flower beneath the sun, Die with its happiness.

I pray for thee on bended knee; But not for mine own sake; My heart's best prayers are all for thee— It prays, itself to break.

Farewell! farewell! I would not leave A single trace behind: Why should a thought of me to grieve, Be left upon thy mind?

I would not have thy memory dwell Upon one thought of pain; And sad it must be, the farewell Of one who loved in vain.

Farewell! thy course is in the sun. First of the young, the brave: For me, my race is nearly run, And its goal is the grave.L. E. L.