[BNP/E3, 78 – 55]

FAREWELL.

     Farewell, farewell for ever!

     I cannot more remain;

Far wider things our hearts do sever

     Than continent or main -

Pride and distaste and inaptness

To feel each other's joy, distress.

     Farewell, farewell for ever!

     Be it not said by thee

My heart was weaker, thy heart braver

     In mutual misery

But parted were we, be it said,

As are the living from the dead.

     Farewell, farewell for ever!

     Since love left not behind

Nor even friendship, nor endeavour

     Nor sorrow wild or kind…

'Tis fit indeed those souls be parted

That cannot e'er be broken-hearted.

     Farewell, farewell for ever;

     'Tis time this thing were done,

When love is cold which was a fever

      And vulgar as a stone,

When life from woe to woe doth flee

And change itself is misery.

Alexander Search.