The Travelling Companion

Into the silence of the empty night

I went, and took my scorned heart with me,

And all the thousand eyes of heaven were bright;

But Sorrow came and led me back to thee.

I turned my weary eyes towards the sun,

Out of the leaden East like smoke came he.

I laughed and said, " The night is past and done " ;

But sorrow came and led me back to thee.

I turned my face towards the rising moon,

Out of the south she came most sweet to see,

She smiled upon my eyes that loathed the noon ;

But sorrow came and led me back to thee.

I bent my eyes upon the summer land,

And all the painted fields were ripe for me,

And every flower nodded to my hand ;

But Sorrow came and led me back to thee.

O Love ! O Sorrow ! O desired Despair !

I turn my feet towards the boundless sea,

Into the dark I go and heed not where,

So that I come again at last to thee,