I left two Loves on a distant strand, One fair and young and white of hand, One fair and old and sadly grand, My wedded wife and my native land. One tarrieth sad and seriously Beneath the roof that mine should be; One sitteth sibyl-like by the sea, Chanting a grave song mournfully. A little life I have not seen Lies by the heart that mine hath been; A cypress wreath darkles now, I ween, Over the brow of my Love in green. The mother and wife shall pass away; Her hands be dust, her lips be clay; But my other Love on earth shall stay And live in the life of a better day. Ere we were born my first Love was, My sires were heirs to her holy cause; And she yet shall sit in the world's applause, A mother of men and blessed laws. I hope and strive the while I sigh, For I know my first Love cannot die; From the chain of woes that loom so high Her reign shall reach to Eternity. |