Classic Poem

XI.

“But, Jane, although I should desire
My thoughts and aims in sleep were laid,
My limbs the needful strength require
To ply a laborer's busy spade.

XII.

“Oh! well” she said, “I know it all!
My father's wish can never be.
Oh! could we but the past recall,
So you again were calm and free!

XIII.

“Yet, Henry, still our love is sweet,
The best of life I e'er have known,
And if again we never meet,
I oft shall think it o'er alone.

XIV.

“These leaves now fallen were bright and green
The day that first I heard you speak,
How many hours have passed between,
Strengthening my heart, though still 'tis weak!

XV.

“I seem to look with larger eyes,
What once I dreamt not now is true,
More lovely sights around me rise,
And all seem gifts bestowed by you.

XVI.

“But yet it must not be, I know;
Whate'er the unpausing moment's choice,
Great hopes within your bosom grow
That never yet have found a voice.

XVII.

“And in the body's daily task,
While cares on cares for ever crowd,
Regrets will wake, and move, and ask,
And speak the more, not speaking loud.

XVIII.

“And you will muse, from day to day,
Of all you might have been and done;
Of wisdom widening men's highway,
Of goodness warming like the sun.

XIX.

“And you for want of those will pine,
Who might reflect your fancy's hues;
Perhaps will think the fault is mine
Of all the nobler life you lose.”

XX.

Half-turned the maid, as if to part,
Affrighted by the imagined pain,
But Henry pressed her on his heart,
And kissed her eyes, and spoke again: