A DEEP-SWORN VOW
Others because you did not keep
That deep-sworn vow have been friends of mine;
Yet read more

A DEEP-SWORN VOW
Others because you did not keep
That deep-sworn vow have been friends of mine;
Yet always when I look death in the face,
When I clamber to the heights of sleep,
Or when I grow excited with wine,
Suddenly I meet your face.

Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; every little absence is an age.

Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; every little absence is an age.

Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see,
My heart untravelled, fondly turns to thee;
Still to my read more

Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see,
My heart untravelled, fondly turns to thee;
Still to my brother turns, with ceaseless pain,
And drags at each remove a lengthening chain.

Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.

Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.

How like a winter hath my absence been
From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
What read more

How like a winter hath my absence been
From thee, the pleasure of the fleeting year!
What freezings have I felt, what dark days seen!
What old December's bareness everywhere!

'Presents,' I often say, 'endear absents.'

'Presents,' I often say, 'endear absents.'

The absent are like children, helpless to defend themselves.

The absent are like children, helpless to defend themselves.

Absences are a good influence in love and keep it bright and delicate.

Absences are a good influence in love and keep it bright and delicate.

The absent are never without fault, nor the present without excuse.

The absent are never without fault, nor the present without excuse.