When You are Far

WHEN you are far, sweet love,I know how dear you are;I am beset with pain;I feel I never told you wellAll the deep love whose throb and swellSweep over me in vain,When you are far.

When you are far, dear love,I know how dear you are;I sit and dream how I shall sayThe loving thoughts that fill my mind;The foolish fancies fond and kindWith which I dream the hours away,When you are far.

When you are far, my love,What grand resolves mine are!But when you come, they kneelWith hidden face; and whenYour lips touch mine,—ah! thenI can but live the love I feel,When you are far.