WHO swerves from innocence, who makes divorce Of that serene companion -- a good name, Recovers not his loss; but walks with shame, With doubt, with fear, and haply with remorse: And oft-times he -- who, yielding to the force Of chance-temptation, ere his journey end, From chosen comrade turns, or faithful friend -- In vain shall rue the broken intercourse. Not so with such as loosely wear the chain That binds them, pleasant River! to thy side: -- Through the rough copse wheel thou with hasty stride; I choose to saunter o'er the grassy plain, Sure, when the separation has been tried, That we, who part in love, shall meet again. |