Delayed it may be for more lives yet, 



Through worlds I shall traverse, not a few : 



Much is to learn, much to forget 



Ere the time be come for taking you. 



But the time will come, — at last it will, 



When, Evelyn Hope, what meant (I shall say) 

 In the lower earth, in the years long still. 



That body and soul so pure and gay ? 

 Why your hair was amber, I shall divine. 



And your mouth of your own geranium's red — 

 And what you would do with me, in fine, 



In the new life come in the old one's stead. 



I have lived (I shall say) so much since then. 



Given up myself so many times. 

 Gained me the gains of various men. 



Ransacked the ages, spoiled the climes ; 

 Yet one thing, one, in my soul's fuU scope, 



Either I missed or itself missed me : 

 And I want and find you, Evelyn Hope 1 



What is the issue ? let us see ! 



I loved you, Evelyn, all the while, 



My heart seemed full as it could hold. 

 There was place and to spare for the frank young smile. 



And the red young mouth, and the hair's young gold. 

 So, hush, — I will give you this leaf to keep : 



See, I shut it inside the sweet cold hand ! 

 There, that is our secret : go to sleep ! 



You will wake, and remember, and understand. 



BROWNING. 



15 



