A Shropshire Lad/If truth in hearts that perish

by Alfred Edward Housman

XXXIII

If truth in hearts that perishCould move the powers on high,I think the love I bear youShould make you not to die.

Sure, sure, if stedfast meaning,If single thought could save,The world might end to-morrow,You should not see the grave.

This long and sure-set liking,This boundless will to please,—Oh, you should live for everIf there were help in these.

But now, since all is idle,To this lost heart be kind,Ere to a town you journeyWhere friends are ill to find.

 

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