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Literary Gazette, 19th October, 1822, Pages 664
(SONGS ON ABSENCE)
Dearest! wander where you will,
I am present with you still:
Over land and over sea,
Every thought will follow thee.
Be thy flights but short as those
The honey-bee takes from the rose,
Or long as nights without a star,
My heart will be where you are.
You may change, but I will be
The very self of constancy. - - - -
Woman's heart 's a fragile thing,
Born for much of suffering:
Like a lute which has a tone
Sacred to itself alone,—
However rude the hand that flings
Its touch upon the gentle strings,
Music 'wakened in that heart
Will not but with life depart—
Even in its latest sigh
Breathes that native melody.
Love is woman's life, the whole
Hope, pride, harmony of soul! - - -
I do ask no plighted vow;
Tis enough for me to bow,
Like a flower before the sun,
Blest but to be shone upon.
Yet I'd pray thee not forget
The rose shade where first we met:
I would have thee sometimes dwell
On that twilight hour's farewell.
Be thou faithful, life to me
Will be one dream of ecstasy;
Be thou false, my heart will make
No reproach—but love and break! L. E. L.
