Late Love

With two who might have loved each other well
Had they met earlier who meet too late,
How does it fare? Do they keep separate,
Each one with feelings incommunicable;
Or are they as dear friends content to dwell
In heart together till they change this state?
Or may their sad and unaccomplished fate,
Instead of joining, wound them and repel?

So when, unjust, a father wills away
His land and fortune from his rightful heirs,
They, wronged, incensed, come after set of day.
And thief-like gain the house, and scale the stairs,
And slay the invader, spite his threats and prayers;
Yet there for fear of judgment may not stay.