The Poetical Works of William Motherwell/The Lay of Geoffroi Rudel

by William Motherwell

The Lay of Geoffroi Rudel.

 

With faltering step would I depart,
From home and friend that claimed my heart—
And the big tear would dim mine eye,
Fixed on the scenes of early years,
(Each spot some pleasure past endears)
And I would mingle with a sigh
The accents of the farewell lay—
But for my love that's far away!

Friends and dear native land, adieu!
In hope we part—no tears bedew
My cheek—no dark regrets alloy
The buoyant feelings of the hour
That leads me to my ladye's bower—
My breast throbs with a wondrous joy,
While every life-pulse seems to say—
'Haste to thy love that's far away!'