Page:Landon in Literary Gazette 1826.pdf/30

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, farewell, and light farewell Is all you'll have of mine— So easily as I'm resign'd,    So easy I resign.

Why should I shed a single tear, When none are shed for me? Or sigh amid a careless crowd, Where sighs should never be?

Why should I love? a fair exchange Is all my love will give: As I am loved, 'tis fair for that An equal love should live.

So, gay as any round your board, I'll give you smile for smile; Though well I know that, taper-like, I shine but for a while.

Great foolishness it were to weep, That when I am not there, Another takes my vacant place, And weeds me from your care.

I do not dwell amid the days Utopia may have known, When that affection's dearest bands Were round the absent thrown.

I hold our modern creed the best— To its decree resigned, I will confess, when out of sight Best to be out of mind.

For what can Memory do but tell How sweet the flowers were; And when they fade, it dims them more To say they once were fair.

And what is Love?—A weary spell To double every ill— To make our best of happiness Be at another's will.

No! careless laugh and mocking eye, That know no charm like change, These are the only wings wherewith Through this slight world to range. L. E. L.