Divided

We came to the dividing line, Then he passed over and I am here, Sad and sore is this heart of mine That has no power to shed a tear, For, like one who rises and walks in sleep, I am lost in a dream--I cannot weep.

Yet he was good and fair to see I know in my heart he loved me well, What separated him from me, I cannot tell, oh! I cannot tell, For the blow came sudden, and sharp, and sore, And I am alone now for evermore.

I thought to walk through all our time Together, linked to a lofty aim; With sudden wrench I'm left behind-- My heart is slain! oh, my heart is slain! And the ghost of my heart within me cries, Why, alas! was I made a sacrifice?

My royal eagle ordained to soar-- Breast to the storm, and eyes to the sun-- Up be thy flight! and think no more Of one the life of whose life is done; While I, stunned and sick with a dumb despair, Still mourn by the grave of a hope so fair.

TO MARY.

It is not very long since first we met, Thy path and mine lay very far apart; We are not of one nation, dear one, yet Thou hast awakened love within my heart.

It is a love that sorrow never tried, And yet, like tested love, it is as true As love that stood in dark hours by your side, If hours were ever dark or sad to you.

Not for your beauty, though I think you fair, Not for the kind heart or the tender word; But for the kindredship,--because you were One who both knew and loved my gracious Lord.

One who had often met with Him alone; One over whom His garment had been laid; Clothed on with beauty that was not your own, Bought with a price no other could have paid,

Divided by the ridge of time are we, Yet we are near akin at heart my friend, Our prayers and praises will together be Blended and fused in one as they ascend

For I, too, heard the Well-Beloved's voice, Calling the new life in the soul to wake, Drawing us after Him in loving choice, Making us love His loved ones for His sake