Last Words
I knew not 'twas so dire a crime
To say
the word, Adieu;
But this shall be the only time
My lips or heart
shall sue.
The wild hill-side, the winter morn,
The
gnarled and ancient tree,
If in your breast they waken scorn,
Shall
wake the same in me.
I can forget black eyes and brows,
And
lips of falsest charm,
If you forget the sacred vows
Those faithless
lips could form.
If hard commands can tame your love,
Or
strongest walls can hold,
I would not wish to grieve above
A thing
so false and cold.
And there are bosoms bound to mine
With
links both tried and strong;
And there are eyes who lightning shine
Has
warmed and blest me long:
Those eyes shall make my only day,
Shall
set my spirit free,
And chase the foolish thoughts away
That mourn
your memory.