I. <br /> <br />All's over, then: does truth sound bitter <br /> As one at first believes? <br />Hark, 'tis the sparrows' good-night twitter <br /> About your cottage eaves! <br /> <br /> II. <br /> <br />And the leaf-buds on the vine are woolly, <br /> I noticed that, to-day; <br />One day more bursts them open fully <br /> ---You know the red turns grey. <br /> <br /> III. <br /> <br />To-morrow we meet the same then, dearest? <br /> May I take your hand in mine? <br />Mere friends are we,---well, friends the merest <br /> Keep much that I resign: <br /> <br /> IV. <br /> <br />For each glance of the eye so bright and black, <br /> Though I keep with heart's endeavour,--- <br />Your voice, when you wish the snowdrops back, <br /> Though it stay in my soul for ever!--- <br /> <br /> V. <br /> <br />Yet I will but say what mere friends say, <br /> Or only a thought stronger; <br />I will hold your hand but as long as all may, <br /> Or so very little longer!<br /><br />Robert Browning<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/lost-mistress-the/
