Sweet stream-fed glen, why say ‘farewell’ to thee Who far’st so well and find’st for ever smooth The brow of Time where man may read no ruth? Nay, do thou rather say ‘farewell’ to me, Who now fare forth in bitterer fantasy Than erst was mine where other shade might soothe By other streams, what while in fragrant youth The bliss of being sad made melancholy.
And yet, farewell! For better shalt thou fare When children bathe sweet faces in thy flow And happy lovers blend sweet shadows there In hours to come, than when an hour ago Thine echoes had but one man’s sighs to bear And thy trees whispered what he feared to know.