Early poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

Lowell, James Russell (1819-1891)

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XXI.
“NO MORE BUT SO?”

No MORE but so? Only with uncold looks,
And with a hand not laggard to clasp mine,
Think'st thou to pay what debt of love is thine?
No more but so? Like gushing water-brooks,
Freshening and making green the dimmest nooks

166

Of thy friend's soul thy kindliness should flow;
But, if 't is bounded by not saying “no,”
I can find more of friendship in my books,
All lifeless though they be, and more, far more
In every simplest moss, or flower, or tree;
Open to me thy heart of hearts' deep core,
Or never say that I am dear to thee;
Call me not Friend, if thou keep close the door
That leads into thine inmost sympathy,

University of Virginia Library

XXI. “NO MORE BUT SO?”

XXI.
“NO MORE BUT SO?”