The Poetry of Robert Burns Edited by William Ernest Henley and Thomas F. Henderson |
![]() | I. |
![]() | 2. |
![]() | III. |
FAREWELL, THOU STREAM |
![]() | IV. |
![]() | The Poetry of Robert Burns | ![]() |
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FAREWELL, THOU STREAM
I
Farewell, thou stream that winding flowsAround Eliza's dwelling!
O Mem'ry, spare the cruel throes
Within my bosom swelling:
Condemn'd to drag a hopeless chain
And yet in secret languish,
To feel a fire in every vein
Nor dare disclose my anguish!
II
Love's veriest wretch, unseen, unknown,I fain my griefs would cover:
The bursting sigh, th'unweeting groan
Betray the hapless lover.
I know thou doom'st me to despair,
Nor wilt, nor canst relieve me;
But, O Eliza, hear one prayer—
For pity's sake forgive me!
III
The music of thy voice I heard,Nor wist while it enslav'd me!
I saw thine eyes, yet nothing fear'd,
Till fears no more had sav'd me!
236
The wheeling torrent viewing,
'Mid circling horrors sinks at last
In overwhelming ruin.
![]() | The Poetry of Robert Burns | ![]() |