Separation

A sworded man whose trade is blood,

       &nbspIn grief, in anger, and in fear,

Thro' jungle, swamp, and torrent flood,

       &nbspI seek the wealth you hold so dear!



The dazzling charm of outward form,

       &nbspThe power of gold, the pride of birth,

Have taken Woman's heart by storm—

       &nbspUsurp'd the place of inward worth.



Is not true Love of higher price

       &nbspThan outward Form, though fair to see,

Wealth's glittering fairy-dome of ice,

       &nbspOr echo of proud ancestry?—



O! Asra, Asra! couldst thou see

       &nbspInto the bottom of my heart,

There's such a mine of Love for thee,

       &nbspAs almost might supply desert!



(This separation is, alas!

       &nbspToo great a punishment to bear;

O! take my life, or let me pass

       &nbspThat life, that happy life, with her!)



The perils, erst with steadfast eye

       &nbspEncounter'd, now I shrink to see—

Oh! I have heart enough to die—

       &nbspNot half enough to part from Thee!