THEY parted -- a pallid, trembling pair, And rushing down the lane He left her lonely near me there; -- I asked her of their pain. "It is for ever," at length she said, "His friends have schemed it so, That the long-purposed day to wed Never shall we two know." "In such a cruel case," said I, "Love will contrive a course?" "-- Well, no. . . A thing may underlie, Which robs that of its force; "A thing I could not tell him of, Though all the year I have tried; This: never could I have given him love, Even had I been his bride. "So, when his kinsfolk stop the way Point-blank, there could not be A happening in the world to-day More opportune for me! "Yet hear -- no doubt to your surprise -- I am grieving, for his sake, That I have escaped the sacrifice I was distressed to make!" |