@ (o) 
156 LOVE IN ABSENCE. 
MYRTLE. 
Myrtus. 
Language LOVE IN ABSENCE. 
Linger not long ! Home is not home without thee ; 
Its dearest tokens only make me mourn ; 
0, let its memory, like a chain about thee, 
Gently compel and hasten thy return. 
Linger not long ! 
Linger not long! Though crowds should woo thy 
staying, 
Bethink thee ; can the mirth of friends, though 
dear. 
Compensate for the grief thy long delaying 
Costs the heart that sighs to have thee here ? 
Linger not long ! 
How shall I watch for thee when fears grow stronger, 
As night draws dark and darker on the hill ! 
How^hall I weep, when I can watch no longer ! 
O, art thou absent art thou absent still ? 
Linger not long ! 
Haste, haste thee home into thy mountain dwelling ! 
Haste as a bird unto its peaceful nest ! 
Haste as a skiff, when tempests wild are swelling, 
, Flies to its haven of securest rest ! 
Linger not lojig ! 
@ (b 
