Poems (Welby)/Breathe Not a Sigh
BREATHE NOT A SIGH WHEN WE ARE PARTING.
Breathe not a sigh when we are parting— 'T is vain to sigh: Nor let a single tear be starting In thy soft eye.
I know 't is sad for hearts like ours, So warm and true, To pine for loving smiles, as flowers Languish for dew.
Yet I shall have sweet thoughts to cheer me When thou art gone, For, in my dreams, will linger near me The absent one.
And, as those dreams at pensive even Steal over me, I'll lift my melting heart to heaven In prayer for thee.
Through the deep gloom that darkens o'er thee, The star of fame Shines like a beacon light before thee— Go! win a name.
And then if thou shouldst woo another To be thy bride, Although my thoughts I cannot smother, I will not chide.
But should'st thou hear that grief is paling My young cheek's bloom, That Death my slender form is veiling For the dark tomb—
Then let thy lip be softly sighing Like a low lute, Breathing its music o'er the dying For sweet lips mute.
And when these hands thou 'st clasped so often Are cold and chill,And this warm heart no tone can soften To love's sweet thrill—
Then, though light airy forms assemble Where thine will be, I know thy heart will softly tremble Still true to me.