 | Marah |  |
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TRAVELLING ACQUAINTANCES
1
On my road at the dawn of dayJoy accosted me, passing me by.
We were both of us going one way;
But, alas, he went faster than I,
And in vain I besought him to stay.
2
“Prithee speed not,” I panted, “so fast,Fellow-traveller! Fain would I be
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The long course of my journey with thee!”
Never pausing, however, he pass'd.
3
“We can fare not together,” he cried,“Any farther. But do not despond!
We may meet yet again.” And I sigh'd,
“Where again may I meet thee?” “Beyond!”
Joy, pointing his finger, replied.
4
“A remembrance,” he murmur'd, “meanwhile('Tis the best that my passage bestows)
I bequeath thee, sad days to beguile.”
And he flung me a half-wither'd rose;
And was gone with a nod and a smile.
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5
On I went, till the noon had wax'd hot.Then I came to a blossoming grove.
There, alone in a flowery spot,
I was suddenly greeted by Love.
But I trembled, and answer'd him not.
6
For his face was the face of a stranger,And I seem'd to myself to be there
A forbidden and trespassing ranger.
And, beholding Love's weapons, “Beware!”
Said my heart to me. “Here there is danger.”
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7
But the whisper of Love was so sweet,And the spell of his beauty so strong,
And with welcome so warm did he greet,
And so tenderly drew me along,
That I fell down faint at his feet.
8
Merry butterflies hither and thitherWere a-wooing. Sweet birds caroll'd clear.
All around, it was midsummer weather.
And I said, “This is Paradise! Here
Let us linger forever together!”
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9
With a frown Love averted his face,And his voice took a menacing tone,
As he struggled to break mine embrace,
Crying, “Loose me, for I must be gone!
I have linger'd too long from the chase.”
10
“If thou leavest me, what shall I do?”I cried, clinging, imploring, and fond.
“And ah, whither away wouldst thou go?”
Love impatiently answer'd, “Beyond!”
And the sunshine seem'd turned into snow.
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11
“If,” I wept, “thy last word has been spoken,Cruel fugitive, ere thou depart,
Leave me one little lingering token!”
Then he struck me a blow at the heart,
And I felt in it something was broken.
12
I arose, sick, and faint, and in pain,But still, staggering, onward I went,
Till the sun was low down and the plain
Sad and cold, and its colours all spent,
And the daylight beginning to wane.
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13
Rough and hard was the way, tho' down hill;And my feet were both weary and sore;
And the road I was journeying still
Had a narrower track than before;
And the twilight hung heavy and chill.
14
Where around me the long shadows lay.And the path became doubtful and dim,
I was met by a traveller grey;
And his aspect was furtive and grim,
Like a beast's that is prowling for prey.
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15
He approach'd me, and seized, and embraced,As he cried to me, “Welcome at last!
It is late, but I am not in haste,
And we too have no need to go fast.
Thou art weary, and I am slow-paced.”
16
“Of my hand,” I groan'd, writhing, “let go!”For I neither could loosen nor bear
The cold pressure of his. But, “Ah, no!”
The grey traveller said. “I am Care.
Love and Joy have gone from thee, I know.
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17
But my fingers hold faster,” said he,“Than the bite of an adamant bond.”
“Is there nowhere, then, refuge from thee?”
I exclaim'd in despair. And “Beyond,”
He said faintly, “perchance there may be!”
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