Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
France: Vols. IX–X. 1876–79.

Ellé, the River

Waters of Ellé

By Lady Caroline Lamb (1785–1828)

(From Glenarvon)

WATERS of Ellé, thy limpid streams are flowing,

Smooth and untroubled o’er the flowery vale.

On thy green banks once more the wild rose blowing,

Greets the young Spring, and scents the passing gale.

Here ’t was at eve, near yonder tree reposing,

One still too dear first breathed his vows to thee.

“Wear this,” he cried, his guileful love disclosing,

“Near to thy heart, in memory of me.”

Love’s cherished gift, the rose he gave, is faded;

Love’s blighted flower can never bloom again.

Weep for thy fault, in heart and mind degraded;

Weep, if thy tears can wash away the stain.