Stanzas

Is there a bitter pang for love removed,

O God! The dead love doth not cost more tears

Than the alive, the loving, the beloved—

Not yet, not yet beyond all hopes and fears!
Would I were laid
Under the shade

Of the calm grave, and the long grass of years,—

That love might die with sorrow:—I am sorrow;

And she, that loves me tenderest, doth press

Most poison from my cruel lips, and borrow

Only new anguish from the old caress;
Oh, this world's grief
Hath no relief

In being wrung from a great happiness.

Would I had never filled thine eyes with love,

For love is only tears: would I had never

Breathed such a curse-like blessing as we prove;

Now, if "Farewell" could bless thee, I would sever!
Would I were laid
Under the shade

Of the cold tomb, and the long grass forever!