Page:Songs of the Affections.pdf/218

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"Listen but once to the sound of our mirth! For thee 'tis a melody passing from earth. Never again wilt thou find in its flow, The peace it could once on thy heart bestow.

"Thou wilt visit the scenes of thy childhood's glee, With the breath of the world on thy spirit free; Passion and sorrow its depth will have stirr'd, And the singing of waters be vainly heard.

"Thou wilt bear in our gladsome laugh no part— What should it do for a burning heart? Thou wilt bring to the banks of our freshest rill, Thirst which no fountain on earth may still.

"Farewell!—when thou comest again to thine own, Thou wilt miss from our music its loveliest tone; Mournfully true is the tale we tell— Yet on, fiery dreamer! farewell, farewell!"