Classic Poem

As I roam'd on the beach, to my memory rose
The bliss I had tasted in moments gone by;
When my soul could be soothed in a scene of repose,
And my spirit exult in an unclouded sky!

I thought of the past; and while thinking, thy name
Came uncalled to my lips, but no language it found;
Yet my heart felt how dear and how hallow'd its claim —
I could think , though my tongue could not utter a sound.

The beginning and end of our love was before me,
And both touch'd a cord of the tenderest tone;
Thy spirit, then near, shed its influence o'er me,
And told me that still thou wert truly mine own.

I thought at that moment (how dear was the thought!)
There still was a union that death could not break;
And if with some sorrow the feeling were fraught,
Yet even that sorrow was sweet for thy sake.

Thus musing on thee, every object around
Seem'd to borrow thy sweetness to make itself dear;
And each murmuring wave reach'd the shore with a sound
As soft as the tones of thy voice to mine ear.