Ah! you love me there As well as here. God never made me fair For nothing; now, I know the gift he gave That I might take my place with you at last, Equal in loveliness, though years had passed Since you first breathed the air above the skies, The beauty-giving air of paradise. Fair are you now, my love, but not like me: Mine is the goddess-bloom, the rarity Of perfect loveliness; yours, the bright charm Of strong young manhood, whose encircling arm Could bend me like a reed. Oh, for one clasp Of that strong arm!-- Hist! was not that the hasp Of the old door below? She comes; I hear Her light step on the stair. Darling, no fear Need trouble you upon your couch; to me A sacred trust this gentle girl shall be Through life. Did you not love her once?
I pray Forgiveness thus to leave you here so long; I did not mean it, but I swooned away Before I knew it.
Thanks. There was no wrong; I liked the vigil.
Sweet those eyes--the brow How calm! I would not bring life to him now E’en if I could; gone to his God--at rest From all earth’s toil. Dear love, upon thy breast I lay my hand; I yield thee back to Him Who gave thee to me; and, if thou hast wrought Wrong to our troth in deed, or word, or thought, I now forgive thee. Sleep in peace; the dim, Dark grave has its awaking. As the hart Longed for the water-brooks, so have I yearned For token, Willie, that thy love returned To me at last. Lo! now I can depart In peace.--My picture, letters! Thou wast true, Wast true to me, thank God!-- (_Turning._) Madam, to you I owe apology.
Never! But throw Your gentle arms around me--thus. And so Give me a blessing.
But I’ve robbed you--you Who loved him also; though to me was due This love of his; at least--
Sweet doubter, yes; I grant thee all. But, as I kneel, O bless This heart that bows before thee; all its sin-- If it be sin--forgive; and take, within Thy pure love, me, thy sister, who must live Long years--long years! O child, who dost forgive More than thou knowest, lay thy sister-hand In blessing!
Though I do not understand, Yet will I thus content thee: Now the Lord Bless thee, and keep thee by his holy word; Be gracious to thee, that thy faith increase; Lift up his countenance, and give thee peace, Now and forever!