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

Walter Savage Landor 1775–1864

The Test

Landor-W

I HELD her hand, the pledge of bliss,

Her hand that trembled and withdrew;

She bent her head before my kiss…

My heart was sure that hers was true.

Now I have told her I must part,

She shakes my hand, she bids adieu,

Nor shuns the kiss. Alas, my heart!

Hers never was the heart for you.