Take back, take back the harsh word now; Consider it unspoken; Break, break, though late, the angry vow That better far were broken. The stream of death will bear away The object of thy passion; Oh, then obliterate today The thought of his transgression. Forget the little ill, revealed As though by hate's intention; Remember all the good, concealed As though by love's invention. The hour may come when thou wilt stand Unsheltered and unshriven; Forgiveness' price is in thy hand, Today let it be given. With hatred in the heart at last Bethink thee of his terror Whose alienated gaze were cast On love's eternal mirror. Thou might'st endure the sight of woe— The scoffing—the derision— But where thou dost expect to go How couldst thou bear the vision? |