[First Love.]

I. 112.

Not at once our youth is faded, Not at once our joys forsake us, And happiness we unexpected Yet embrace shall more than once; But ye, impressions never-dying Of newly trepidating Love, And thou, first flame of Intoxication,-- Not flying back are coming ye!

ELEGY.

III. 99.

Hushed I soon shall be. But if on sorrow's day My songs to me with pensive play replied; But if the youths to me, in silence listening At my love's long torture were marvelling; But if thou thyself, to tenderness yielding Repeated in quiet my melancholy verses And didst love my heart's passionate language; But if I am loved:--grant then, O dearest friend, That my beautiful beloved's coveted name Breathe life into my lyre's farewell. When for aye embraced I am by sleep of Death, Over my urn do with tenderness pronounce: "By me he loved was, to me he owed Of his love and song his last inspiration."

1821.

THE BURNT LETTER.

IV. 87.

Good-bye, love-letter, good-bye! 'T is her command.... How long I waited, how long my hand To the fire my joys to yield was loath! ... But eno', the hour has come: burn, letter of my love! I am ready: listens more my soul to nought. Now the greedy flame thy sheets shall lick ... A minute! ... they crackle, they blaze ... a light smoke Curls and is lost with prayer mine. Now the finger's faithful imprint losing Burns the melted wax.... O Heavens! Done it is! curled in are the dark sheets; Upon their ashes light the lines adored Are gleaming.... My breast is heavy. Ashes dear, In my sorrowful lot but poor consolation, Remain for aye with me on my weary breast....

1825.