my heart is sick with longing, tho’ i feed

on hope; time goes with such a heavy pace

that neither brings nor takes from thy embrace,

as if he slept — forgetting his old speed:

for, as in sunshine only we can read

the march of minutes on the dial’s face,

so in the shadows of this lonely place

there is no love, and time is dead indeed.

but when, dear lady, i am near thy heart,

thy smile is time, and then so swift it flies,

it seems we only meet to tear apart,

with aching hands and lingering of eyes.

alas, alas! that we must learn hours’ flight

by the same light of love that makes them bright!