Lines: 'We Meet Not As We Parted'

That moment is gone for ever,

Like lightning that flashed and died —

Like a snowflake upon the river —

Like a sunbeam upon the tide,

Which the dark shadows hide.

That moment from time was singled

As the first of a life of pain;

The cup of its joy was mingled

— Delusion too sweet though vain!

Too sweet to be mine again.

Sweet lips, could my heart have hidden

That its life was crushed by you,

Ye would not have then forbidden

The death which a heart so true

Sought in your briny dew.

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Methinks too little cost

For a moment so found, so lost!