Solitude
by William Dean Howells
illustrations by Howard Pyle
938016Solitude — illustrations by Howard PyleWilliam Dean Howells

SOLITUDE

A

H, you cannot befriend me, with all your love's tender persistence!
In your arms' pitying clasp sole and remote I remain,
Rapt as far from help as the last star's measureless distance,
Under the spell of our life's innermost mystery, Pain.