Studies from the Antique and Sketches from Nature By Charles Mackay |
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VIII. | No. VIII.—THE LOST JEWEL. |
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Studies from the Antique and Sketches from Nature | ||
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No. VIII.—THE LOST JEWEL.
Long ago, ah, long ago!I lost a jewel of greater worth
Than the loveliest lady of the Earth
Could hang on her bosom as white as snow,—
Or any Emperor flushed with wine
Could place on a maiden's finger fine,
And say, “Beloved, be thou mine!”
Long ago, ah, long ago!
I lost it wandering to and fro,—
Fairer and purer, brighter far
Than the Morn or Evening Star.
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To clasp it—hold it—and retain,
I'd be greater than the king,
Richer than the bloomy spring.
And where I lost it well I know;—
Skill cannot trace it,
Or wealth replace it,
Or anything else this world can show,—
This jewel so bright,
My heart's delight,
Lost in another's heart long ago,—
My richer than Ind,
My peace of mind,
Lost for ever! ah, long ago!
Studies from the Antique and Sketches from Nature | ||