The Tryst

I. I went, alone, to the old familiar place Where we often met,-- When the twilight soften'd thy bright and radiant face And the sun had set. All things around seem'd whispering of the past, With thine image blent-- Even the changeful spray which the torrent cast As it downward went! I stood and gazed with a sad and heavy eye On the waterfall-- And with a shouting voice of agony On thy name did call! II. With a yearning hope, from my wrung and aching heart I call'd on thee-- And the lonely echoes from the rocks above They answer'd me! Glad and familiar as a household word Was that cherish'd name But in that grieving hour, faintly heard, 'T was not the same! Solemn and sad, with a distant knelling cry, On my heart it fell-- 'T was as if the word 'Welcome' had been answer'd by The word 'FAREWELL!'