138
A VALEDICTION.
My good reverts to ill;
My calmnesses would move thee,—
My softnesses would prick thee,—
My bindings up would break thee,
My crownings, curse and kill.
Alas! I can but love thee—
May God bless thee, my beloved,—may God bless thee!
My calmnesses would move thee,—
My softnesses would prick thee,—
My bindings up would break thee,
My crownings, curse and kill.
Alas! I can but love thee—
May God bless thee, my beloved,—may God bless thee!
Can I love thee, my beloved,—can I love thee?
And is this like love, to stand
With no help in my hand,
When strong as death I fain would watch above thee?
My love-kiss can deny
No tear that falls beneath it:
Mine oath of love can swear thee
From no ill that comes near thee,—
And thou diest while I breathe it,
And I—I can but die!
May God love thee, my beloved,—may God love thee!
And is this like love, to stand
With no help in my hand,
When strong as death I fain would watch above thee?
My love-kiss can deny
No tear that falls beneath it:
Mine oath of love can swear thee
From no ill that comes near thee,—
And thou diest while I breathe it,
And I—I can but die!
May God love thee, my beloved,—may God love thee!
