I KNOW NOT from what distant time thou art ever coming nearer to meet me. Thy sun and stars can never keep thee hidden from me for aye. In many a morning and eve thy footsteps have been heard and thy messenger has come within my heart and called me in secret. I know not why to-day my life is all astir, and a feeling of tremulous joy is passing through my heart. It is as if the time were come to wind up my work, and I feel in the air a faint smell of thy sweet presence.
I AM GLAD you will not wait for me with that lingering pity in your look. It is only the spell of the night and my farewell words, startled at their own tune of despair, which bring these tears to my eyes. But day will dawn, my eyes will dry and my heart; and there will be no time for weeping. Who says it is hard to forget? The mercy of death works at life's core, bringing it respite from its own foolish persistence. The stormy sea is lulled at last in its rocking-cradle; the forest fire falls to sleep on its bed of ashes. You and I shall part, and the cleavage will be hidden under living grass and flowers that laugh in the sun.