Oh, let it lie a moment in my own--
That dear, dear hand whose strength for me has flown,
Never again to meet in friendliness.
Oh! clinging hand, would I had loved you less!
Oh, let them lie a moment on my own--
Those dear, dear lips which now so cold have grown,
That once seemed made alone for tenderness.
Fond, faithless lips, would I had loved you less!
Then turn and go for evermore from me,
Hands, eyes, and lips I never more may see;
Hands, eyes, lips, voice, I pray that God may bless,
And for thy failings may not love thee less!
First published in The Queenslander, 26 March 1898
