FOREVER.

THEY sat together in the sun,

And Youth and Hope stood hovering near;

Like dropping bell-notes one by one

Chimed the glad moments soft and clear;

And still amid their happy speech

The lovers whispered each to each,

“Forever!”

Youth spread his wings of rainbow light,

“Farewell!” he whispered as he went;

They heeded not nor mourned his flight,

Wrapped in their measureless content;

And still they smiled, and still was heard

The confidently uttered word,

“Forever!”

Hope stayed, her steadfast smile was sweet,—

Until the even-time she stayed;

Then with reluctant, noiseless feet

She stole into the solemn shade.

A graver shape moved gently by,

And bent, and murmured warningly,

“Forever!”

And then — where sat the two, sat one!

No voice spoke back, no glance replied.

Behind her, where she rested lone,

Hovered the spectre, solemn-eyed;

She met his look without a thrill,

And, smiling faintly, whispered still,

“Forever!”

Oh, sweet, sweet Youth! Oh, fading Hope!

Oh, eyes by tearful mists made blind!

Oh, hands which vainly reach and grope

For a familiar touch and kind!

Time pauseth for no lover’ s kiss;

Love for its solace has but this,—

“Forever!”