Page:Rosalind and Helen (Shelley, Forman).djvu/14

12 Barren and dark although they be, Were dearer than these chesnut woods: Those heathy paths, that inland stream, And the blue mountains, shapes which seem Like wrecks of childhood's sunny dream: Which that we have abandoned now, Weighs on the heart like that remorse Which altered friendship leaves. I seek No more our youthful intercourse. That cannot be! Rosalind, speak, Speak to me. Leave me not.—When morn did come, When evening fell upon our common home, When for one hour we parted,—do not frown: I would not chide thee, though thy faith is broken: But turn to me. Oh! by this cherished token, Of woven hair, which thou wilt not disown, Turn, as 'twere but the memory of me, And not my scorned self who prayed to thee.

Is it a dream, or do I see And hear frail Helen? I would flee Thy tainting touch; but former years Arise, and bring forbidden tears; And my o'erburthened memory Seeks yet its lost repose in thee. I share thy crime. I cannot choose But weep for thee: mine own strange grief But seldom stoops to such relief: Nor ever did I love thee less, Though mourning o'er thy wickedness Even with a sister's woe. I knew What to the evil world is due, And therefore sternly did refuse To link me with the infamy