Maria Jane Jewsbury

The Altered Heart

For to itself it oft so diverse grew,
That still it seemed the same, 
                 and still it seemed a new.

                             Giles Fletcher.

SEEK a heart that loveth well,
In the trusting time of youth,
It hath glorious tales to tell
Of constancy and truth;
Speak thou of chance and change,
Of frailty, not of faith,
Say hearts are prone to range,
And love allied to death;
Tell of the myriads smitten,
While trusting human sway;
Tell of the curse that's written,
It will but answer "Nay."
How should that bosom grieve
Whilst rich in present joy!
How learn to disbelieve
Before it feels alloy!
As well the linnet singing,
Despise its summer cheer;
The gay green leaf when springing,
Forbode the winter drear;
Had all bright things that flutter,
When whispered of decay,
But power a word to utter,
That uttered word were "Nay."
Go, seek that heart when old
Through sorrow or through strife,
Tell it love grows not cold,
That faith lives on through life;
Say, hearts if once united,
Unite unto the end;
Say, Truth is e'er requited,
That friend ne'er smiteth friend;
Then bid the leaf and linnet
Subdued by winter strong,
Recall each golden minute,
Of summer life and song;
Tell them of future glory
So tell the one grown grey
Their wreck will mock thy story,
Their silence answer "Nay."