Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

George Barlow b. 1847

If Only Thou Art True

IF only a single rose is left,

Why should the summer pine?

A blade of grass in a rocky cleft;

A single star to shine.

—Why should I sorrow if all be lost,

If only thou art mine?

If only a single bluebell gleams

Bright on the barren heath,

Still of that flower the Summer dreams,

Not of his August wreath.

—Why should I sorrow if thou art mine,

Love, beyond change and death?

If only once on a wintry day

The sun shines forth in the blue,

He gladdens the groves till they laugh as in May

And dream of the touch of the dew.

—Why should I sorrow if all be false,

If only thou art true?