THOU hast loved and thou hast suffered! Unto feeling deep and strong, Thou hast trembled like a harp's frail string -- I know it by thy song! Thou hast loved -- it may be vainly -- But well -- oh, but too well! Thou hast suffered all that woman's breast May bear -- but must not tell. Thou hast wept, and thou hast parted, Thou hast been forsaken long, Thou hast watched for steps that came not back -- I know it by thy song! By the low, clear silvery gushing Of its music from thy breast; By the quivering of its flute-like swell -- A sound of the heart's unrest; By its fond and plaintive lingering On each word of grief so long. Oh! thou hast loved and suffered much -- I know it by thy song! |