We met again, and woman's pride
Nerved me to what I had to bear;
I would not, tho' my heart had broke,
Have let thee find thine image there.
I felt thine eyes gazing on mine;
I felt my hand within thine hold;
I heard my name breathed by thy voice,
And I was calm, and I was cold.
And then I heard you had a bride—
I know not how, I know not when—
For, still my brain swims round to think
Of all, all that I suffered then!
I knew the day, the very hour,
That you were wed, and heard your vow;
I heard the wedding bells—oh, God!
Mine ear rings with them even now!
I may not say that you were false,
I never had one vow from thee;
But I have often seen thine eye
Look as it loved to look on me.
And when you spoke to me, your voice
Would always take a softer tone;
And surely that last night your cheek
Was almost pallid as my own.
But this is worse than vain Farewell!
Of Heaven now I only crave
For thee all of life's happiness,
And for myself an early grave! L. E. L.
