Far outweighs the pain.

Cheat her not with the old comfort,
"Soon she will forget"--
Bitter truth, alas--but matter
Rather for regret;
Bid her not "Seek other pleasures,
Turn to other things:"--
Rather nurse her caged sorrow
'Till the captive sings.

Rather bid her go forth bravely.
And the stranger greet;
Not as foe, with spear and buckler,
But as dear friends meet;
Bid her with a strong clasp hold her,
By her dusky wings--
Listening for the murmured blessing
Sorrow always brings.




VERSE: ONE BY ONE


One by one the sands are flowing,
One by one the moments fall;
Some are coming, some are going;
Do not strive to grasp them all.