I.
 
All's over, then: does truth sound bitter
 As one at first believes?
Hark, 'tis the sparrows' good-night twitter
 About your cottage eaves!

	II.

And the leaf-buds on the vine are woolly,
 I noticed that, to-day;
One day more bursts them open fully
 ---You know the red turns grey.

	III.

To-morrow we meet the same then, dearest?
 May I take your hand in mine?
Mere friends are we,---well, friends the merest
 Keep much that I resign:

	IV.

For each glance of the eye so bright and black,
 Though I keep with heart's endeavour,---
Your voice, when you wish the snowdrops back,
 Though it stay in my soul for ever!---

	V.

Yet I will but say what mere friends say,
 Or only a thought stronger;
I will hold your hand but as long as all may,
 Or so very little longer!