OFT have I sighed for pleasure past, Oft wept for secret smarting -- But far the heaviest drop of all That ever on my cheek did fall The tear was at our parting. Why did our bosoms ever beat Harmonious with each other, If truest sympathies of soul Might broken be, perhaps the whole Concentred in another? My fear it was when other scenes, With other tongues and faces, Should greet thee, thou would'st haply be Forgetful of our amity In old frequented places. 'Tis even so -- the thrall of love, Past ties to thee seem common -- Well, hearts must yield to beauty rare, And proud-souled friendship hardly dare Contest the prize with woman! Old friend, adieu! I blame thee not, Since fair guest fills thy bosom -- Thy smiling love may flattered be Our bonds to know, and feel that she The pow'r had to unloose them! Since thou surrenderest all for her, May she, with faith unshaken, Place every thought on thee alone, While he who Friendship's dream hath known, Must from that dream awaken! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OCTAVES: 12 by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON AN AMERICAN IN BANGKOK by KAREN SWENSON A GOODNIGHT by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS WERENA MY HEART'S LICHT I WAD DEE by GRISELL BAILLIE DON JUAN IN HELL by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE LOOKING FORWARD by LAWRENCE ALMA-TADEMA AN ESSAY TOWARDS A CHARACTER OF HIS SACRED MAJESTY KING JAMES II by PHILIP AYRES |