I feel our hearts are in communion.
Then, softly murmuring, I breathe this lay
To her so near, and yet so far away.

* * * * *

From regions remote my message shall float
On zephyrs across the sea,
And softly thou'lt hear the words in thine ear,
"I love thee, I love but thee."[D]

Though distant I rove, sweet thoughts of my love
Are ever at home with me.
Each day and each hour but strengthen their power;
I love thee, I love but thee.

If sorrow be thine, oh! cease to repine,
For mine thou shalt always be.
Oh! breathe not a sigh, though I am not nigh,
I love thee, I love but thee.

Though oceans divide us and fortune deride us,
No two are more near than we;
Our hearts close are beating in tenderest greeting;
I love thee, I love but thee.

I ask not of Fate a lordly estate,
Or position of high degree;
I ask her alone to grant me my own;
I love thee, I love but thee.

CANTO THE THIRD.

I.

Below me, as I stand upon this mount,
I see, in panoramic view displayed
So clearly that with ease I could recount
The mighty buildings and the ships fast stayed
Within the harbour, Montreal, the port
Of Canada, and once its chiefest fort.

II.

And, winding through the valley, I can see
St. Lawrence river, and the fields beyond
Of corn and pasture land. The scenery
Reminds me of my native land, and fond,
Yet sad and sorrow-laden, memories
Possess me as the vision meets my eyes.

III.

My native land! still, still I think of thee;
By day and night the oft-recurring thought
Brings intermingled pain and joy to me.
And oft I curse the fortune which has brought
These days of exile and of solitude
To one who longs for peace and quietude.

IV.

My life has not been sinless, yet what sin
Have I committed that my punishment
Should be so great! An aching heart within
Still makes me sorrowful. Why was I sent,
Far from my home, to wander lonely here,
Apart from those whose love I hold so dear?

V.

I met and loved her whom I may not wed,
And, ere I knew that she could not be mine,
I thought that God upon my life had shed
A brighter light than had been wont to shine.
And, sure, this power cometh from above;
He teacheth us to love, whose name is Love.

VI.

And since He giveth us this love, oh! why
Doth He not smooth the path of love, and hear
The prayer of those who in their anguish cry
To Him for help, and in