“SO LET IT BE”
To ———

Perhaps you think it right and just,

Since you are bound by nearer ties,

To greet me with that careless tone,

With those serene and silent eyes.

 

So let it be! I only know

If I were in your place tonight,

I would not grieve your spirit so,

For all God's worlds of life and light!

 

I could not turn, as you have done,

From every memory of the past;

I could not fling, from soul and brow,

The shade that Feeling should have cast.

 

Oh! I think how it must deepen all

The pangs of wild remorse and pride,

To feel, that you can coldly see

The grief, I vainly strive to hide!

 

The happy star, who fills her urn

With glory from the God of Day,

Can never miss the smile he lends

The wild-flower withering fast away;

 

The fair, fond girl, who at your side,

Within your soul's dear light, doth live,

Could hardly have the heart to chide

The ray that Friendship well might give.

 

But if you deem it right and just,

Blessed as you are in your glad lot,

To greet me with that heartless tone,

So let it be! I blame you not!

VIOLET VANE.

TO ——

I would not lord it o’er thy heart,

Alas! I cannot rule my own,

Nor would I rob one loyal thought,

From him who there should reign alone;

5

We both have found a life-long love;

Wherein our weary souls may rest,

Yet may we not, my gentle friend

Be each to each the second best?

 

A love which shall be passion-free,

10

Fondness as pure as it is sweet,

A bond where all the dearest ties

Of brother, friend and cousin meet, —

Such is the union I would frame,

That thus we might be doubly blest,

15

With Love to rule our hearts supreme

And Friendship to be second best.

[1845]