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PARTING.
TO E. L. R.
We parted not like lovers in their youth,
Fond pledge and promise eager to renew,
But e'en like steadfast-hearted friends whose truth,
Tried by world-wear, world-change, soul-conflict, knew
Its strength and rested; so our words were few.
We parted with the clamour of the street
Around us thick, yet secret, lone, and sweet
Was our communing. Then I did not say
As oft of yore, “Dear friend, when far away,
Remember me,” nor thou, “Forget me not.”
What is this life that Thou shouldst be forgot
For all that it hath yet to give me? Nay!
In this world or the next I count to be
Rememb'ring and remembered; we have shared
The cloud and sunshine here, Eternity
Will never blight the flower that Time hath spared!
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