Classic Poem

1

I WILL not seek thee for mine own,
I would not mar thy fate;
I will not breathe one vain regret
That we have met too late.

2

I will not venture now to hope
Thy path may intertwine
By sweet, unseen and secret ways
In happier days with mine.

3

But, Lady, I would have thee know
This once ere we do part
Since first I met thee thou hast been
An idol in my heart,

4

Before whose solitary shrine,
When night o'ercometh me,
My soul yet keeps one crimson gleam
To dream and dream of thee.

5

To dream what now thou may'st not hear,
What now I may not tell; —
Ah, Lady mine, those dreams are past
With this — my last farewell!