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ROCHESTER SOLILOQUISES AFTER JANE'S FLIGHT

SHE loves me ! to all lovers glad and free
" She loves me " is a clarion call to life,
That giveth strength to seize the sword of life
Wherewith to fight and win the highest fee
In arms, or art, or science ; but to me
" She loves me " is with poignant sorrow rife ;
" She loves me " is an ever ruthless knife
Held in my heart by callous destiny.

And she who loves ! what anguish seals her lips ?
Through what dead fields do her lone footsteps stray ?
What unimaginable fears eclipse
The tender light that comes into her day ?
What tears are hers that never dim the eyes !
What burning thoughts ! Ah ! God ! what agonies !