University of Virginia Library

Search this document 
Lays of Leisure Hours

By The Lady E. Stuart Wortley

collapse section 
  
collapse sectionI. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
I AM ALONE.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
expand sectionII. 

I AM ALONE.

I am alone!—whilst all I see
With something dear in sympathy
Is linked like Echo to a tone,
I am alone—I am alone!

45

The Stars a glad Fraternal Band,
Like loving comrades, hand in hand,
In their beloved and blessed repose
Are bound—how sweetly and how close!
The flowers of Spring together smile,
Sweet flowers—that neither watch nor toil,
Linked in a breathing coloured chain,
Together do they bloom and wane.
The clouds that gild or gloom the day,
With other clouds appear at play;
The breezes sink, the breezes swell,
And glad tales to each other tell.
The vast—the small—the proud—the low,
Their own sweet bonds rejoicing know;
Oh! what but owns a thrilling tie
With something dear in sympathy?

46

The dewdrops, sparks of liquid light,
By myriads glitteringly unite,
And ever on each other throw
A soft, reflected, diamond-glow!
The mighty mountains, too, are found
With their gigantic brethren bound,
A crested and colossal chain,
They frown upon the peaceful plain.
And must I gaze around in grief,
To find nor comfort nor relief—
And look around, above, beyond,
With feverish yearnings—vain and fond?
I envy those—I envy these—
Mount, cloud, and flower—Star, dew, and breeze,
For me 'tis one drear waste of woes,
I envy these—I envy those!

47

I look around—I look above—
Ah! there I yet will link my love;
Still something whispers to my soul—
There is thy gain—and there thy goal!
Yes! Strongly whispers at my heart—
There is thy place, and there thy part;
With something dear in sympathy
Shall I be linked in yonder sky!