Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1826.pdf/25

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years have past since last I gazed Upon thy faultless brow— Have past without a sign of change— Thou art just as lovely now.

Yet somewhat there of change has come, Though what I scarce may say;— Thou lookest as though our parting hour Had been but yesterday.

Thy lip smiles—but not with the smile It wore in days gone by; 'Tis studied, as a sunny mask, To hide the rising sigh.

A coronet of gems and gold Is shining through thy hair; It is not worth the sweet wild flowers That thou wert wont to wear.

Yet let that pass; and let us talk Over the days of old:— O no! I could not speak of them To listener so cold!

That smile, it freezes up the flow Of many a kindly thought— That courtly carelessness!— And thus With thee the world has wrought!

Is this the sweet and simple girl, Whose inmost soul would gush At her least word—whose laugh and tear Were genuine as her blush?

I knew thee wed to wealth and state— 'Twas with a foolish joy: I might have felt that all in life Had its own deep alloy.

But this—my once as sister—this I dream'd not to behold; Thy candour into falsehood turn'd,    And thy once warm heart cold.

It jars the thoughts of former days, To see thee as thou art: Farewell! and can it be relief From one so loved to part!IOLE.