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LOVE IN ABSENCE. 
MYRTLE. 
Myrtus. 
Language — LO YE 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 shall I weep, wbsn 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 long! 
