06.05.2012, 11:35
Inconstancy
I LOVED thee once, and now I love thee not,
And why I love thee not I do not know:
When we were young together, long ago,
Thy form was fair, thy soul without a blot,
Thy life, as now, in every act and thought,
A holy, sweet self-sacrifice; and so,
Thy excellence compelling, I did grow
To strength of love, and love responsive sought
Not vainly; but - O end most sad and strange -
The love that oft I vowed a quenchless fire
Burned low and died, and all my path was strewn
With ashes of reproach. -So I did change,
But thou dost keep thy faithfulness entire,
And blameless through the world dost walk, alone.
I LOVED thee once, and now I love thee not,
And why I love thee not I do not know:
When we were young together, long ago,
Thy form was fair, thy soul without a blot,
Thy life, as now, in every act and thought,
A holy, sweet self-sacrifice; and so,
Thy excellence compelling, I did grow
To strength of love, and love responsive sought
Not vainly; but - O end most sad and strange -
The love that oft I vowed a quenchless fire
Burned low and died, and all my path was strewn
With ashes of reproach. -So I did change,
But thou dost keep thy faithfulness entire,
And blameless through the world dost walk, alone.