Page:Translations from Camoens; and Other Poets.pdf/21

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CAMOENS.

Polo meu apartamento.




AMIDST the bitter tears that fell
In anguish at my last farewell,
Oh! who would dream that joy could dwell,
    To make that moment bright?
Yet be my judge, each heart! and say,
Which then could most my bosom sway,
    Affliction, or delight?

It was, when Hope, opprest with woes,
Seemed her dim eyes in death to close,
That Rapture's brightest beam arose
    In sorrow's darkest night.
Thus, if my soul survive that hour,
'Tis that my fate o'ercame the power
    Of anguish with delight.

For oh! her love, so long unknown,
She then confest, was all my own,
And in that parting hour alone
    Revealed it to my sight.

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