The Lover's Farewell

SLOWLY through the tomb-still streets I go: —
Morn is dark, save one swart streak of gold —

Sullen tolls the far-off river's flow,
And the moon is very thin and cold.

Long and long before the house I stand

Where sleeps she, the dear, dear one I love —

All undreaming that I leave my land,

Mute and mourning, like the moon above!

Wishfully I stretch abroad mine arms
Towards the well-remembered casement-cell —

Fare thee well! Farewell thy virgin charms!
And thou stilly, stilly house, farewell!

And farewell the dear dusk little room,

Redolent of roses as a dell,
And the lattice that relieved its gloom —

And its pictured lilac walls, farewell!

Forth upon my path! I must not wait —
Bitter blows the fretful morning wind:

Warden, wilt thou softly close the gate

When thou knowest I leave my heart behind?