Bells and Pomegranates, Second Series/The Lost Mistress
THE LOST MISTRESS.
I.All's over, then—does truth sound bitter As one at first believes? Hark, 'tis the sparrows' good-night twitter About your cottage eaves.
II.And the leaf-buds on the vine are woolly, I noticed that to-day; One day more bursts them open fully —You know the red turns gray.
III.To-morrow we meet the same then, dearest? May I take your hand in mine?Mere friends are we,—well, friends the merest Keep much that I'll resign:
IV.For tho' no glance of the eyes so black But I keep with heart's endeavour,—If you only wish the snowdrops back That shall stay in my soul for ever!—
V.—Yet I will but say what mere friends say, Or only a thought stronger; I will hold your hand but as long as all may, Or so very little longer!