Page:The white doe of Rylstone - or, The fate of the Nortons. A poem (IA whitedoeofrylsto00wordrich).pdf/54

 In that thy very strength must lie. —O Sister, I could prophesy! The time is come that rings the knell Of all we loved, and loved so well ;— Hope nothing, if I thus may speak To thee a woman, and thence weak; Hope nothing, I repeat; for we Are doomed to perish utterly: ’Tis meet that thou with me divide The thought while I am by thy side, Acknowledging a grace in this, A comfort in the dark abyss: But look not for me when I am gone, And be no farther wrought upon. Farewell all wishes, all debate, All prayers for this cause, or for that! Weep, if that aid thee; but depend Upon no help of outward friend; Espouse thy doom at once, and cleave To fortitude without reprieve.