IV

Farewell! you cannot go from me, my dear,

For I have closed you in my inmost heart,

Beyond the reach of earthly things that part

The loving from the loved. Now far or near

Ceases to be; I am where you are; here

Or there, no matter. Mild should be the smart

Of leave-taking, where nothing stays apart

But what is mortal, and where souls are clear.

Beloved! I can but lose you earthly-wise;

The hunger of the years is stilled; no pain

Of solitude can chill my heart again,

Possessing you. Therefore with steadfast eyes

I say farewell, O brother! nor dare weep

My little loss, with all this wealth to keep.