AT dusk,like flowers that shun the day,Shy thoughts from dim recesses break,And plead for words I dare not say For your sweet sake.
My early love!my first,my last!
Mistakes have been that both must rue,But all the passion of the past Survives for you.
The tender message Hope might send Sinks fainting at the lips of speech,For,are you lover -are you friend,That I would reach?
How much to-night I'd give to win A banished peace -an old repose!
But here I sit,and sigh,and sin When no one knows.
The stern,the steadfast reticence,Which made the dearest phrases halt,And checked a first and finest sense,Was not my fault.
I held my words because there grew About my life persistent pride;And you were loved,who never knew What love could hide!
This purpose filled my soul like flame To win you wealth and take the place Where care is not,nor any shame To vex your face.
I said "till then my heart must keep Its secrets safe and unconfest;''
And days and nights unknown to sleep The vow attest.
Yet,O my Sweet,it seems so long Since you were near,and fates retard The sequel of a struggle strong,And Life is hard!
Too hard,when one is left alone To wrestle Passion,never free To turn and say to you,"My own,Come home to me!''
