When you lay before me dead In such pallid rest, On those passive lips of thine Not one kiss I pressed! Did you wonder-looking down From some higher sphere- Knowing how we two had loved Many and many a year? Did you think me strange and cold When I didn’t touch Even with reverent finger-tips What I had loved so much? Ah! when last you kissed me,dear, Know you what you said? “Take this last kiss my beloved, Soon shall I be dead!” “Keep it for a solemn sigh Through our love’s long night, Till you give it back again On some morning bright.” So I gave you no caress, But remembering this, Warm up on my lips I keep your last living kiss!