Oliver Madox Brown (1855–1874)

ALAS! who knows or cares, my love,

If our love live or die,—

If thou thy frailty, sweet, should prove,

Or my soul thine deny?

Yet, merging sorrow in delight,

Love’s dream disputes our devious night.

None know, sweet love, nor care a thought

For our heart’s vague desire,

Nor if our longing come to nought,

Or burn in aimless fire;

Let them alone, we’ll waste no sighs:

Cling closer, love, and close thine eyes!