Let there be an end And all be done; Pass over, fair eclipse, That hides the sun.

Dear face that shades the light And shadows me, Begone, and give me peace, And set me free.

p. 44THE SCALLOP SHELL

p. 44

A scallop shell, loosed by the lifting tide, Had left a friendly shore, the seas to brave; Its lips of pink and snowy hollow shone Pure in the sun, a pearl upon the wave.

It gleamed and passed—you burdened it with love, With sweet long futures, new and dreamy days: And named for me—because I held your hopes. I bid you hush—not meriting your praise.

I pointed, where your vessel came to shore, Wrecked where the tiny breakers rose and fell; And bid your voyagers not put to sea So fail a craft as this poor scallop shell.

p. 45WITH A ROSE

p. 45

In the heart of a rose Lies the heart of a maid; If you be not afraid You will wear it. Who knows?

In the pink of its bloom, Lay your lips to her cheek; Since a rose cannot speak, And you gain the perfume.

If the dews on the leaf Are the tears from her eyes; If she withers and dies, Why, you have the belief,

That a rose cannot speak, Though the heart of a maid In its bosom must fade, And with fading must break.

p. 46FOR EVER

p. 46

He heard it first upon the lips of love, And loved it for love’s sake; A faithful word, that knows nor time nor change, Nor lone heart-break.

It sung across his heart-strings like a breath Of Heaven’s faithfulness, that whispered “Never To part, to lose, to linger from your gaze.”  She said, “I love for ever.”

He heard it then upon the lips of death, Of things that fade and die; A word of sorrow never to be stilled, An ever echoing sigh.

And loneliness within his soul did dwell, And struck upon his heart-strings, crying “Never To meet, to have, 

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