Page:Poems Holley.djvu/209

I gave to Love his name, his glance, his brow,
 His low-toned voice, his smile,
Oh, soul be patient; I can sever them
 But yet a little while—

Before I put away these outward forms
 Deceiving, sweet disguises, which Love wore.
Let my heart break into regretful tears
 Just once, and then no more.

Just once, as fond friends watch the fading sail
 Bearing away a guest of truest worth,
They give this little time to grief, and then
 Return to their desolate hearth,

And build new fires, and gather dewy flowers,
 Let the pure air into the vacant room,
So light, and bloom, and sweetness, all
 Shall penetrate its gloom.

I will be patient, in a little time
 Quiet, and full of rest,
God's peace will come, and, like a soft-winged bird,
 Settle upon my breast.

Not always thus shall beat my restless heart
 Like a wild eagle 'gainst its prison-bars;
In some calm twilight of the future time
 I will sit, calm-browed, underneath the stars.