by James Russell Lowell (1819 - 1891)
She came and went
Language: English
As a twig trembles, which a bird Lights on to sing, then leaves unbent, So is my memory thrilled and stirred; — I only know she came and went. As clasps some lake, by gusts unriven, The blue dome’s measureless content, So my soul held that moment’s heaven; — I only know she came and went. As, at one bound, our swift spring heaps The orchards full of bloom and scent, So clove her May my wintry sleeps; — I only know she came and went. An angel stood and met my gaze, Through the low doorway of my tent; The tent is struck, the vision stays; — I only know she came and went. Oh, when the room grows slowly dim, And life’s last oil is nearly spent, One gush of light these eyes will brim, Only to think she came and went.
Text Authorship:
- by James Russell Lowell (1819 - 1891), "She came and went" [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Mary Augusta Salmond , "She came and went", published 1890? [ voice and piano ], London : W. Morley & Co. [sung text not yet checked]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2024-02-25
Line count: 20
Word count: 144