Ballads and Lyrics of Old France (30)

    LOUISE, have you forgotten yet The corner of the flowery land, The ancient garden where we met, My hand that trembled in your hand？ Our lips found words scarce sweet enough, As low beneath the willow-trees We sat； have you forgotten, love？ Do you remember, love Louise？

    Marie, have you forgotten yet The loving barter¹ that we made？ The rings we changed, the suns that set, The woods fulfilled with sun and shade？ The fountains that were musical By many an ancient trysting tree Marie, have you forgotten all？ Do you remember, love Marie？

    Christine, do you remember yet Your room with scents² and roses gay？ My garret - near the sky 'twas set - The April hours, the nights of May？ The clear calm nights - the stars above That whispered they were fairest seen Through no cloud-veil？ Remember, love！ Do you remember, love Christine？

    Louise is dead, and, well-a-day！ Marie a sadder path has ta'en； And pale Christine has passed away In southern suns to bloom again. Alas³！ for one and all of us - Marie, Louise, Christine forget； Our bower⁴ of love is ruinous, And I alone remember yet.