For all eternity

A. Mascheroni

What is this secret spell around me stealing?

The evening air is faint with magic pow'r,

And shadows fall upon my soul, revealing

The meaning of this mem'ry-laden hour!

A year ago our paths in life were parted,

A year ago we sever'd, broken-hearted!

Where art thou now? On earth, my love,

Or did thy spirit soar to realms above?

Though nevermore on earth those eyes serene and holy,

Thy face that shone in beauty nevermore I may see,

The music of thy voice is echoing still within me,

Thou reignest in my heart, in life and death I love thee!

The air grows fainter still, the scene is fading;

Thy hallow'd presence in my inmost soul

Alone is real, by wondrous pow'r o'ershading

All things beside; I feel its sweet control

Filling my heart with confidence eternal

That I shall meet thee in a world supernal,

Where thoughts are felt, as I feel thine

In this blest hour, and know thy thoughts are mine!

Though nevermore on earth those eyes serene and holy,

Thy face that shone in beauty nevermore I may see,

The music of thy voice is echoing still within me,

Thou reignest in my heart, in life and death I love thee!