If, whilst Hallam was with him, it could be said that love had its full
complement and satisfaction, and could not range beyond; still he torments
himself with "this haunting whisper,"
"More years had made me love thee more."
My attachment would have expanded with the enlargement of his powers.
"But Death returns an answer sweet:
My sudden frost was sudden gain"--
The change in death instantly exalted its victim;
"And gave all ripeness to the grain,
It might have drawn from after-heat."
A sudden frost will ripen grain or fruit, but will not impart the flavour
to fruit which the sun gives.
In Hallam's sudden transition, what might have been drawn from subsequent
experience was at once fully accomplished.