Classic Poem

HE

Long ago, long ago,
In a far and fairer land,
There I wandered with my true love
Hand in hand, hand in hand;
And was it earth or heaven,
Where this joy to me was given? —
Nay, I do not rightly know,
It was all so long ago.

SHE

Long ago, long ago,
Were ye children twain that went,
With no thought of any morrow,
In your souls' divine content?
While ye wandered blossom-hearted,
Did a storm-cloud rise that parted
Thee from her in pain and woe,
Long ago, long ago?

HE

Long ago, long ago,
From my true love I was torn;
Yea, they drove me, bowed and broken,
Through an empty world to mourn.
For we loved as never mortals
Loved since Eden closed her portals, —
Nay, not heaven itself can show
Love like ours, long ago.

SHE

Long ago, long ago,
In a land as Eden fair,
From my side they tore my true love,
And they left me but despair.
Now the world in vain I wander,
All my youth in tears I squander,
Till I doubt my love would know
Her he cherished long ago.

HE

Long ago, long ago,
Did he fold thy breathing charms
In a clasp the high gods envied
Till they tore him from thine arms?

SHE

But my love they could not sever;
That was his and his forever!

HE

Only two loved ever so!

BOTH

We who love as long ago!