TWO LOVES.
Forgive me, O my darling! If the love has seemed to paleThat I once so fondly pledged you At the low white altar rail.I look upon my finger Wearing still the wedding-ringThat you fondly placed upon it When my love had crowned you king.
And sweeping back the shadows Of the intervening years,I bow my head upon it In an agony of tears.God has lifted you, my dear one, Far above my warm embrace;I have seen the light of heaven Resting on your peaceful face;
I have watched the mortal chalice Break within your failing hands;
296