Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
II. Parting and AbsenceSong of Egla
Maria Gowen Brooks (Maria del Occidente) (1794?1845)D
Blossoms, all around me sighing;
Fragrance, from the lilies straying;
Zephyr, with my ringlets playing;
Ye but waken my distress;
I am sick of loneliness!
Come, ere night around me darken;
Though thy softness but deceive me,
Say thou ’rt true, and I ’ll believe thee;
Veil, if ill, thy soul’s intent,
Let me think it innocent!
All I ask is friendship’s pleasure;
Let the shining ore lie darkling,—
Bring no gem in lustre sparkling;
Gifts and gold are naught to me,
I would only look on thee!
Ecstasy but in revealing;
Paint to thee the deep sensation,
Rapture in participation;
Yet but torture, if comprest
In a lone, unfriended breast.
Let these eyes again caress thee.
Once in caution, I could fly thee;
Now, I nothing could deny thee.
In a look if death there be,
Come, and I will gaze on thee!