OFT have I sighed for pleasure past, Oft wept for secret smarting -- But far the heaviest drop of all That ever on my cheek did fall The tear was at our parting. Why did our bosoms ever beat Harmonious with each other, If truest sympathies of soul Might broken be, perhaps the whole Concentred in another? My fear it was when other scenes, With other tongues and faces, Should greet thee, thou would'st haply be Forgetful of our amity In old frequented places. 'Tis even so -- the thrall of love, Past ties to thee seem common -- Well, hearts must yield to beauty rare, And proud-souled friendship hardly dare Contest the prize with woman! Old friend, adieu! I blame thee not, Since fair guest fills thy bosom -- Thy smiling love may flattered be Our bonds to know, and feel that she The pow'r had to unloose them! Since thou surrenderest all for her, May she, with faith unshaken, Place every thought on thee alone, While he who Friendship's dream hath known, Must from that dream awaken! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DEJECTION by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES STANZAS FOR MUSIC (2) by GEORGE GORDON BYRON A BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 3. AMARYLLIS by THOMAS CAMPION THE VOICE OF THE BANJO by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 21. BREDON HILL by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN TROAS: ACT II. LATTER END OF THE CHORUS by LUCIUS ANNAEUS SENECA SONGS OF TRAVEL: 46. EVENSONG by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON |