Page:Wives of the prime ministers, 1844-1906.djvu/55

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LADY CAROLINE LAMB

and retained her affection for him, such as it was. Soon after the separation became a fact she sent Lamb these verses:

"Loved one! No tear is in my eye.
  Though pangs my bosom thrill,
 For I have learned when others sigh
  To suffer and be still.

 Passion and pride and flatt'ry strove.
  They made a wreck of me,
 But oh! I never ceased to love,
  I never loved but thee.

 My heart is with our early dream.
  And still thy influence knows.
 Still seeks thy shadow on the stream
  Of memory as it flows:

 Still hangs o'er all the records bright
  Of moments brighter still.
 Ere love withdrew his starry light.
  Ere thou hadst suffered ill.

 'Tis vain! 'tis vain! no human will
  Can bid that time return;
 There's not a light on earth can fill
  Again love's darkened urn.

 'Tis vain—upon my heart, my brow,
  Broods grief no words can tell.
 But grief itself more idle now—
  Loved one, fare thee well."

But notwithstanding her grief and sorrow, Lady Caroline could not live without admirers, and for a space young Bulwer came under her spell. His first acquaintance with her com-

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