Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MARGARETAE ABITURAE, by R. A. ERIC SHEPHERD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MARGARETAE ABITURAE, by                    
First Line: Dearest, when no more we tread
Last Line: And your bars dissolve away!
Subject(s): Farewell; Oxford University; Parting


DEAREST, when no more we tread
Hand in hand the world's cold ways;
When your fragrant youth is shed
From the poor rose of my days;
Pray, O pray, that I may find
Some salvation on that day
When your bonds shall cease to bind
And your bars dissolve away.

Dearest, we have loved each other
Thro' the sad sweet days of Spring --
We, a sister and a brother;
Two, but one created thing!
We two bear the mutual scars
Of many a fierce companioned fray --
You, bright sister of the stars;
I, poor pilgrim of the way!

Dearest, and when now we part
On the dear known human plane,
When no longer heart to heart
We two share one joy, one pain;
When our souls alone be twain,
On that utmost trysting-peak,
My heart misgives I shall not gain
Thee often, Margaret, being weak.

Dearest, for I so did long
That together we might stand;
That our ways of prayer and song
Might go ever hand in hand!
And for all my faith doth know
How your prayers will fill that place,
Still my heart can scarce let go
The inspiration of your face!

Dearest, when you smell so sweet
(Like a crushed flower, sweeter so)
At Our Saviour's wounded feet
Or Our Lady's robe below,
May your whiteness, O how pure,
Draw on me that gracious shower,
For my poor love can endure
Scarcely thro' the trysting-hour.

Dearest, for I so have feared
Lest my sins shall hold me from
That high place where you are sphered,
Lest to you I may not come.
Therefore pray that I may find
Some salvation on that day
When your bonds shall cease to bind
And your bars dissolve away!





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