1927.] The Retrospect. 21 



Both are so changed, that did we meet 



We might but marvel we had loved : 

 What made our earliest dream so sweet ? 



Illusions long, long since removed. 



I sorrow but it is to know 



How still some fair deceit unweaves 

 To think how all of joy below 



Is only joy while it deceives. 



I sorrow but it is to feel 

 Changes which my own mind hath told : 



What, though time polishes the steel, 

 Alas ! it is less bright than cold. 



I have more smiles, and fewer tears ; 



But tears are now restrained for shame : 

 Task-work the smiles my lip now wears, 



That once like rain and sunshine came. 



Where is the sweet credulity, 



Happy in that fond trust it bore, 

 Which never dreamed the time would be 

 When it could hope and trust no more ? 



Affection springing warmly forth 



Light word, light laugh, and lighter care ; 



Life's afternoon is little worth 



The dew and warmth of morning air. 



I would not live again Love's hour; 



But fain I would again recall 

 The feelings which upheld its power 



The truth, the hope, that made its thrall. 



I would renounce the worldliness, 



Now too much with my heart and me; 

 In one trust more, in one doubt less, 



How much of happiness would be ! 

 Vainer than vain ! Why should I ask 



Life's sweet but most deceiving part ? 

 Alas ! the bloom upon the cheek 

 Long, long outlives that of the heart. 



L.E.L. 



