Why Should I Remember If You Forget?

Why should I remember the days of long ago? Days we spent together, beside the river's flow; Why should I remember the dreams that haunt me yet? Ah, why should I remember--if you forget!

Why should I remember the nights I sat and dreamed As stars came out in Heaven--when they and I it seemed, Alone kept watch and vigil--ah, I recall them yet! But why should I remember--if you forget!

Why should I remember those days of Summer time When Love immortal bound me, and sang his witching rhyme. Why should I remember your vows as there we met? Ah, why should I remember--if you forget!

Why should I remember the grave I fashioned wide Within my heart and laid you, and all that with you died. Why should I bewail you, and why should it be yet That I must still remember--and you forget!

Why has my heart grown empty and why this empty throne Where you who made life dear have left me now alone? Why can I not a watch against your mem'ry set? Ah, why should I remember--when you forget!

TO H. N. T.

(Jan. 28, 1885.)

Dear heart, sweet heart that through these years Hast walked with me, in sun, in shade! Though thy dear presence bides with me In thought alone, that ne'er shall fade! We may not wander hand in hand, We seldom greet us face to face, Yet in my life thy love, thy words Have ever yet a hallowed place! Together in the past we roamed When girlhood's fancies bound our will,-- To-day, no less, we deem it sweet The tie that holds us captive still! To thee, beloved, my storm-tost heart Turns now, as then, for word of cheer. In those far days my arm was strong, My love did hold thee from all fear; But now my strength is well nigh spent, Though mem'ry crowns each happy hour, And fain would forms now vanished seek, And fain recall that witching power! Some sleep in death whom we called dear; Some roam afar in distant lands, While you and I have ever grown The nearer, knit by Friendship's bands! And as the years roll on I cling, Dear heart, more closely to thy love; God grant for all life's bitterness A lasting peace to come, above!