The departed

When we two parted
In silence and tears
Half broken-hearted
To sever for years

Pale grew thy cheek and cold
Colder thy kiss
Truly that hour foretold
Sorrow to this

The dew of the morning
Sank chill on my brow
It felt like the warning
Of what I feel now
Thy vows are all broken
And light is thy fame
I hear thy name spoken
And share in its shame

They name thee before me
A knell to mine ear
A shudder comes over me
Why wert you so dear?

They know not I knew thee
Who knew thee too well
Long, long shall I rue thee
Too deeply to tell

In secret we met
In silence I grieve
That thy heart could forget
Thy spirit deceive
If I should meet thee
After long years
How should I greet thee?
With silence and tears

The dew of the morning
Sank chill on my brow
It felt like the warning
Of what I feel now
If I should meet thee
After long years
How should I greet thee?
With silence and tears