it may not always be so and i say

that if your lips, which i have loved, should touch another's, and your dear strong fingers clutch her heart, as mine in time not far away

if on another's face your sweet hair lay in such a silence as i know, or such

great writhing words as, uttering overmuch, stand helplessly before the spirit at bay

if this should be, i say if this should be you of my heart, send me a little word that i may go unto her, and take her hands, saying, Accept all happiness from me.

Then shall i turn my face, and hear one bird sing terribly afar in the lost lands.