Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1826.pdf/23

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it is long since we have met! And longer it will be, Ere I will cross the waters wild, And all for love of thee.

It is not that I hope to find A fairer face than thine— However fair in other eyes. None will seem fair in mine.

It is not that I hope to find Another love for me— It is to say farewell to love To say farewell to thee.

I will go forth in the wide world, And in the tumult there, I may drown, though I may not cure, My spirit's secret care.

Now for the battle and the storm— And when this may not be, Then for the red-wine cup that crowns The midnight revelry.

And if in future years a cloud Shade my now brightening name, 'Tis the strife of a wounded heart— And on thee be the blame!

For thou hast turn'd to bitterness Thoughts that in love had birth; There is no truth in that or thee— There is no truth on earth !

I am too proud to sigh or kneel At any woman's shrine:— But 'tis beneath the lofty hill That sweeps the lava mine.

I have past through a weary life— Found it harsh, base, untrue; But linger'd yet one angel hope— The hope that dwelt with you.

And I have lived to find that hope, Like other hopes, was vain; And love and hope henceforth are things I cannot feel again.

Oh it is long since last we met! And longer it will be— For never will I cross the waves Again for love of thee!L. E. L.