Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1825.pdf/6

5 Literary Gazette, 26th February, 1825, Page 140

ORIGINAL POETRY.

I have a dream upon my heart, I cannot bid it quite depart, Although I know that dream is one That I should like a serpent, shun: I know too well what Love will be, To trust such guest to bide with me.

I have seen hearts well nigh to break, I have looked on the faded cheek; Many a sigh have I seen swelling On lips where the red rose was dwelling: All this sorrow mine will be, If I let Love dwell with me.

The laugh, the lightest one of all Amid the gayest festival, I have known altered for the tear, Whose falling does not sooth, but sear: Knowing this, it cannot be That I will risk Love with me.

I have known the sweetest sleep Changed to vigils that but weep; I have known the careless eye Hide the depth of agony: This is what I feel will be Mine when Love has breathed on me.

I have seen the broken heart In its hopelessness depart; Seen Life's brightest hopes but crave Of their stars an early grave: What sin on my soul can be, That Love's spell is set on me?

Yet I feel that all in vain Would I struggle with the chain That upon my heart is set; I may pine, but not forget; Can it Love, and must it be, One more victim found in me.

Yet that voice is in mine ear; Would that it were not so clear; Still, that look is as a spell, With a power I may not quell. Love, if thou my doom must be, Find a mortal shaft for me.

All my heart can stoop to bear, All Love's pain, and all Love’s care, To find that its own energies Cannot to themselves suffice, To feel another one can be Doom and destiny to me.

Yet I love, and O! how well Lip or look may never tell; Never might my spirit brook Others on its depths to look; Oh, I would give worlds to be Free, even as I once was free.L. E. L.