21.06.2007, 20:52
LETHE.
What shall assuage the unforgotten pain
And teach the unforgetful to forget?
D. G. ROSSETTI.
I TIRE of phantoms that my heart distrain,
That claim their own, and will not let me rest,
That mock me with old laughter, long-hushed jest,
And of the love I promised once are fain.
Shall I not seek some opiate for pain,
And drug the ceaseless ache within my breast—
Bid Memory "Hence!" as an unwelcome guest,
And smite the joyous chords of Life again?
Nay! Then must I forbid the dead to speak,
And do the holy past unholy wrong—
Disown its claim—refuse to pay its debt—
All Heaven would look with scorn on one so weak!
I choose, instead, to suffer and be strong—
Give me no Lethe! I will not forget.
What shall assuage the unforgotten pain
And teach the unforgetful to forget?
D. G. ROSSETTI.
I TIRE of phantoms that my heart distrain,
That claim their own, and will not let me rest,
That mock me with old laughter, long-hushed jest,
And of the love I promised once are fain.
Shall I not seek some opiate for pain,
And drug the ceaseless ache within my breast—
Bid Memory "Hence!" as an unwelcome guest,
And smite the joyous chords of Life again?
Nay! Then must I forbid the dead to speak,
And do the holy past unholy wrong—
Disown its claim—refuse to pay its debt—
All Heaven would look with scorn on one so weak!
I choose, instead, to suffer and be strong—
Give me no Lethe! I will not forget.