第52章 A CHAIN

The bond that links our souls together;

Will it last through stormy weather?

Will it moulder and decay As the long hours pass away?

Will it stretch if Fate divide us,When dark and weary hours have tried us?

Oh,if it look too poor and slight Let us break the links to-night!

It was not forged by mortal hands,Or clasped with golden bars and bands;Save thine and mine,no other eyes The slender link can recognise:

In the bright light it seems to fade -

And it is hidden in the shade;

While Heaven nor Earth have never heard,Or solemn vow,or plighted word.

Yet what no mortal hand could make,No mortal power can ever break:

What words or vows could never do,No words or vows can make untrue;And if to other hearts unknown The dearer and the more our own,Because too sacred and divine For other eyes,save thine and mine.

And see,though slender,it is made Of Love and Trust,and can they fade?

While,if too slight it seem,to bear The breathings of the summer air,We know that it could bear the weight Of a most heavy heart of late,And as each day and hour flew The stronger for its burthen grew.

And,too,we know and feel again It has been sanctified by pain,For what God deigns to try with sorrow He means not to decay to-morrow;But through that fiery trial last When earthly ties and bonds are past;What slighter things dare not endure Will make our Love more safe and pure.

Love shall be purified by Pain,And Pain be soothed by Love again:

So let us now take heart and go Cheerfully on,through joy and woe;No change the summer sun can bring,Or the inconstant skies of spring,Or the bleak winter's stormy weather,For we shall meet them,Love,together!