Page:Landon in The New Monthly 1834.pdf/3



me not, love, what can be in my heart; When gazing on thee, sudden tear-drops start, When only smiles should brighten where thou art.

The human heart is compassed by fears; And joy is tremulous—for it inspheres A vapoury star, which melts away in tears.

I am too happy for a careless mirth; Hence thoughts the sweet, yet sorrowful, have birth:— Who looks from heaven is half returned to earth.

I feel the weakness of my love—its care— How deep, how true, how passionate soe'er, It cannot keep one sorrow from thy share.

How powerless is my fond anxiety! I feel I could lay down my life for thee; Yet know how vain such sacrifice must be!

Ah, the sweet present!—should it not suffice? Not to humanity, which vainly tries To lift the curtain that may never rise!