| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895. | | | | Ave Atque Vale | | | | Rosamund Marriott Watson (b. 1860) | | | | | | FAREWELL, my Youth! for now we needs must part, | | | For here the paths divide; | | | Here hand from hand must sever, heart from heart,— | | | Divergence deep and wide. | | | | | You ’ll wear no withered roses for my sake, | 5 | | Though I go mourning for you all day long, | | | Finding no magic more in bower or brake, | | | No melody in song. | | | | | Gray Eld must travel in my company | | | To seal this severance more fast and sure. | 10 | | A joyless fellowship, i’ faith, ’t will be, | | | Yet must we fare together, I and he, | | | Till I shall tread the footpath way no more. | | | | | But when a blackbird pipes among the boughs, | | | On some dim, iridescent day in spring, | 15 | | Then I may dream you are remembering | | | Our ancient vows. | | | | | Or when some joy foregone, some fate forsworn, | | | Looks through the dark eyes of the violet, | | | I may re-cross the set, forbidden bourne, I may forget | 20 | | Our long, long parting for a little while, | | | Dream of the golden splendors of your smile, | | | Dream you remember yet. | | | | |
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