WHO swerves from innocence, who makes divorce Of that serene companion -- a good name, Recovers not his loss; but walks with shame, With doubt, with fear, and haply with remorse: And oft-times he -- who, yielding to the force Of chance-temptation, ere his journey end, From chosen comrade turns, or faithful friend -- In vain shall rue the broken intercourse. Not so with such as loosely wear the chain That binds them, pleasant River! to thy side: -- Through the rough copse wheel thou with hasty stride; I choose to saunter o'er the grassy plain, Sure, when the separation has been tried, That we, who part in love, shall meet again. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 28 by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE RUINED MAID by THOMAS HARDY HUGH SELWYN MAUBERLEY: 1. E.P. ODE POUR L'ELECTION DE SON SEPULCHRE by EZRA POUND LAURENCE BLOOMFIELD IN IRELAND: 9. GOING TO THE FAIR by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM THE SONG OF THE ILL-BELOVED; TO PAUL LEAUTARD by GUILLAUME APOLLINAIRE BALLAD TO THE TUNE OF 'FRANCKLIN'S IS FLED AWAY' by PATRICK CAREY |