Landon in The Literary Gazette 1824/Farewell
Literary Gazette, 27th March, 1824, Pages 203-204
THE FAREWELL.[1]
Yes, I am changed; yes, much much changed
Since first I sang to thee;
I marvel, knowing what I am,
At what I once could be.
The trace of pleasure on my heart
Was like that of the wind,
And sorrow's self had not then left
A deeper trace behind.
My song was like the bursting forth
Of the first birds in spring;
I had some thought of future flowers,
But none of withering.
I thought of love, but of love as
Love never yet was known;
Of truth, of hope, of happiness—
But all these dreams are flown.
As sometimes on Italian shores
At dawn of day is seen
A fleeting show of fairy land,
Just such my life has been.
How I now loathe my dreams of song!
They have been so untrue;
But more I loathe the dearer dream,
The one that dwelt with you!
Farewell to one, farewell to all,
Both song and love are o'er;
The essence of their life is past,
For they deceive no more!
- ↑ Signature after next poem