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CHANGE NOT LOSS.

I deem to love and lose by love's decay
In either breast, or Fate's unkindly cross,
Is not, perforce, irreparable loss
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Unto the larger. There may come a day,
Changing for precious gold Affection's dross,
When the great heart that sorely sighed to say
“Farewell!” unto the late-departed guest
(The transient tenant of an idle breast)
Shall, through the open portal, welcome there
A worthier than he who barred the place
Against the loitering lord, whose regal face
And princely step proclaim the lawful heir
Arrived—ah, happy day!—to fill the throne
By royal right divine his very own!
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