Than a friend's need. I gave, methought, thy due,--
An elder sister's gentleness, nor knew
That ere Spring dawned my soul would feel thy power.
Brother and Friend!

A man, with a man's strength, and will, and fire,
I know thee, my Alcides; thus a god
For some fair soul to reverence, and desire
To own and worship. _I_ can place thee higher
To-day, in naming thee,--pain's paths just trod--
Brother and Friend.




RONDEAU.--POURQUOI?


"Pourquoi," she breathed, then drooped her head,
(Pure snow-drifts to the sunset wed)
As all my weakness I confessed.
I shewed how I had done my best,
Though long ago I should have fled,
Knowing all hope, for me, was dead;
And now my heart would die, unfed.
She murmured low, (was it in jest?)
"Pourquoi?"

That winsome face, all rosy red,--
I turned towards me,--gone was dread!