We parted--not as lovers part--
No tear was in thine eye;
No mantling blush was on thy cheek,
Thy bosom heaved no sigh;
Yet there was something in thine air
That seemed to all unmoved,--
Something that told my bursting heart,
Dearest, that I was loved.
For, when I took thy gentle hand
To bid a short adieu,
Methought within my trembling clasp,
That white hand trembled too;
And when too, from my faltering tongue
The parting accents fell,
Thou didst not, dearest--can it be
Thou couldst not say farewell!
Forgive, if I have boldly erred--
If fancy 'twere alone,
That check'd thy voice, and lent thy hand
The tremors of my own.
Forgive, forgive the daring thought--
Forgive the hopes--the love--
That bids me seek thee soon again,
My bliss or wo to prove.