Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
Coventry Patmore. 18231896764. A Farewell
WITH all my will, but much against my heart, | |
We two now part. | |
My Very Dear, | |
Our solace is, the sad road lies so clear. | |
It needs no art, | 5 |
With faint, averted feet | |
And many a tear, | |
In our opposèd paths to persevere. | |
Go thou to East, I West. | |
We will not say | 10 |
There ‘s any hope, it is so far away. | |
But, O, my Best, | |
When the one darling of our widowhead, | |
The nursling Grief, | |
Is dead, | 15 |
And no dews blur our eyes | |
To see the peach-bloom come in evening skies, | |
Perchance we may, | |
Where now this night is day, | |
And even through faith of still averted feet, | 20 |
Making full circle of our banishment, | |
Amazèd meet; | |
The bitter journey to the bourne so sweet | |
Seasoning the termless feast of our content | |
With tears of recognition never dry. | 25 |