Page:Songs of the Affections.pdf/20

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That all, which tears can move, with life is fled, That earthly love is powerless on the dead? Believe it not!—there is a large lone star, Now burning o'er yon western hill afar, And under its clear light there lies a spot, Which well might utter forth—Believe it not!

I sat beneath that planet,—I had wept My woe to stillness; every night-wind slept; A hush was on the hills; the very streams Went by like clouds, or noiseless founts in dreams, And the dark tree o'ershadowing me that hour, Stood motionless, even as the grey church-tower Whereon I gazed unconsciously:—there came A low sound, like the tremor of a flame, Or like the light quick shiver of a wing, Flitting through twilight woods, across the air; And I look'd up!—Oh! for strong words to bring Conviction o'er thy thought!—Before me there, He, the Departed, stood!—Aye, face to face— So near, and yet how far!—his form, his mien,