PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY

613. From the Arabic

AN IMITATION

MY faint spirit was sitting in the light Of thy looks, my love ; It panted for thee like the hind at noon

For the brooks, my love. Thy barb, whose hoofs outspeed the tempest's flight,

Bore thee far from me ;

My heart, for my weak feet were weary soon, Did companion thee.

Ah ! fleeter far than fleetest storm or steed,

Or the death they bear, The heart which tender thought clothes like a dove

With the wings of care ; In the battle, in the darkness, in the need,

Shall mine cling to thee,

Nor claim one smile for all the comfort, love, It may bring to thee.

Lines

VW"HEN the lamp is shatter'd,

• • The light in the dust lies dead;

When the cloud is scattered, The rainbow's glory is shed:

When the lute is broken, Sweet tones are remember' d not

When the lips have spoken, Loved accents are soon forgot.

As music and splendour Survive not the lamp and the lute,

The heart's echoes render No song when the spirit is mute

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