Page:Poems Barrett.djvu/144

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
138
A VALEDICTION.
   My good reverts to ill;
   My calmnesses would move thee,—
   My softnesses would prick thee,—
   My bindings up would break thee,
   My crownings, curse and kill.
   Alas! I can but love thee—
May God bless thee, my beloved,—may God bless thee!

Can I love thee, my beloved,—can I love thee?
   And is this like love, to stand
   With no help in my hand,
When strong as death I fain would watch above thee?
   My love-kiss can deny
   No tear that falls beneath it:
   Mine oath of love can swear thee
   From no ill that comes near thee,—
   And thou diest while I breathe it,
   And I—I can but die!
May God love thee, my beloved,—may God love thee!