Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/902

 736. Remembrance

Cold in the earth—and the deep snow piled above thee, Far, far removed, cold in the dreary grave! Have I forgot, my only Love, to love thee, Sever'd at last by Time's all-severing wave?

Now, when alone, do my thoughts no longer hover Over the mountains, on that northern shore, Resting their wings where heath and fern-leaves cover Thy noble heart for ever, ever more?

Cold in the earth—and fifteen wild Decembers From those brown hills have melted into spring: Faithful, indeed, is the spirit that remembers After such years of change and suffering!

Sweet Love of youth, forgive, if I forget thee, While the world's tide is bearing me along; Other desires and other hopes beset me, Hopes which obscure, but cannot do thee wrong!

No later light has lighten'd up my heaven, No second morn has ever shone for me; All my life's bliss from thy dear life was given, All my life's bliss is in the grave with thee.

But when the days of golden dreams had perish'd, And even Despair was powerless to destroy; Then did I learn how existence could be cherish'd, Strengthen'd and fed without the aid of joy.

Then did I check the tears of useless passion— Wean'd my young soul from yearning after thine; Sternly denied its burning wish to hasten Down to that tomb already more than mine.