AT PARTING
Oh, all too well beloved, at last I know
That for us two the parting of the ways
Has come, and brought the ending of sweet days.
Bid me good-bye, and loose my hand, and go.
To-day’s fair peak we ran to climb, and low
Before us, glowing in our last sun’s rays,
The path slopes down, nor undivided stays;
The path slopes down, but separate and slow.
Henceforward you and I alone must fare.
Nay, look not all so sad! Was ever done
A deed to merit all that we have won
Of joy? I tell you, there are those whose prayer
Is nightly on their knees that they might bear
Our shadow, could they but have known our sun!