The Poetical Works of George Barlow In Ten [Eleven] Volumes |
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ONCE: THEN NO MORE
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| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| XI. |
 | The Poetical Works of George Barlow |  |
209
ONCE: THEN NO MORE
I
Once shines the sweet dawn o'er the ocean spaces,Once flames the sunlight on the laughing shore,—
Once life is gladdened by true friendly faces,
Once: then no more.
II
Once love with tender beauty through life's valleysPasses, once lays soft hand upon life's door;
Once from the green ravine white Venus sallies;
Once: then no more.
III
Once fame twines bays, or love her sweeter fairerRose-crown that all the souls of men adore;
Once rings Apollo's voice, than music rarer;
Once: then no more.
210
IV
Once we are lifted by the wild emotionThat through our veins life's splendid vistas pour,
Once gleams, superb for us, the blue broad ocean;
Once: then no more.
V
Once tender sound of exquisite low laughterEchoes; once swift lips meet and pain is o'er;
Once passion crowns us,—once and never after,—
Once: then no more.
1880.
| The Poetical Works of George Barlow | |