to a friend.
193
One lovely, fair, and fragile flower,
Still lingers in my sight,
Filling my soul with purest joy,
Shrouding the gloom of night,—
Still lingers in my sight,
Filling my soul with purest joy,
Shrouding the gloom of night,—
'T is friendship: dear and sacred pledge!
I bind thee on my heart;
None other e'er shall know thy place,
None other share a part.
I bind thee on my heart;
None other e'er shall know thy place,
None other share a part.
Thou hadst a fickle sister, once;
Within my heart a throne
Was made for her,—I fondly dreamed
That she was all mine own.
Within my heart a throne
Was made for her,—I fondly dreamed
That she was all mine own.
All eloquent, she lingered there
But for a little while,
Then to herself took wings and fled
Unto a far-off isle.
But for a little while,
Then to herself took wings and fled
Unto a far-off isle.