University of Virginia Library


25

THE PARTING LOOK.

No braided hair, no chain of gold,
No sparkling gem for me:
I need not, Love, such tokens hold,
To make me think of thee.
I do not ask for magic spells
To bring thee back to view;
Within my breast thine image dwells,
My heart reflects it true.
For others let the canvas warm
With mimic colours glow;
For others let the stately form
From sculptur'd marble grow.
Oh, what are these? Tho' Art can trace
Each feature bright and rare,
Each line of loveliness and grace;
The soul is wanting there.
Could I forget thy last fond look
Upon the parting day?
The last and sad farewell we took
When I was torn away?

26

The tear along thy cheek that stole
Said more than tongue could tell:
I read the anguish of thy soul
That choked the word Farewell.
Alas! twere past the artist's skill
That moment to restore:
But love, fond love recalls it still
To live for evermore.