You have taken back the promise <br />That you spoke so long ago; <br />Taken back the heart you gave me- <br />I must even let it go. <br />Where Love once has breathed, Pride dieth, <br />So I struggled, but in vain, <br />First to keep the links together, <br />Then to piece the broken chain. <br /> <br />But it might not be-so freely <br />All your friendship I restore, <br />And the heart that I had taken <br />As my own forevermore. <br />No shade of reproach shall touch you, <br />Dread no more a claim from me- <br />But I will not have you fancy <br />That I count myself as free. <br /> <br />I am bound by the old promise; <br />What can break that golden chain? <br />Not even the words that you have spoken, <br />Or the sharpness of my pain: <br />Do you think, because you fail me <br />And draw back your hand today, <br />That from out the heart I gave you <br />My strong love can fade away? <br /> <br />It will live. No eyes may see it; <br />In my soul it will lie deep, <br />Hidden from all; but I shall feel it <br />Often stirring in its sleep. <br />So remember that the friendship <br />Which you now think poor and vain, <br />Will endure in hope and patience, <br />Till you ask for it again. <br /> <br />Perhaps in some long twilight hour, <br />Like those we have known of old, <br />When past shadows gather round you, <br />And your present friends grow cold, <br />You may stretch your hands out towards me- <br />Ahl You will-I know not when- <br />I shall nurse my love and keep it <br />Faithfully, for you, till then.<br /><br />Adelaide Anne Procter<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fidelis/
