by Ernest Christopher Dowson (1867 - 1900)
Terre promise
Language: English
Even now the fragrant darkness of her hair Had brushed my cheek; and once, in passing by, Her hand upon my hand lay tranquilly: What things unspoken trembled in the air! Always I know, how little severs me From mine heart's country, that is yet so far; And must I lean and long across a bar, That half a word would shatter utterly? Ah might it be, that just by touch of hand, Or speaking silence, shall the barrier fall; And she shall pass, with no vain words at all, But droop into mine arms, and understand!
Confirmed with Ernest Dowson, Verses, London: Leonard Smithers, 1896, page 34. Dedicated to Herbert P. Horne.
Text Authorship:
- by Ernest Christopher Dowson (1867 - 1900), "Terre promise", appears in Verses, London, Leonard Smithers, first published 1896 [author's text checked 2 times 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 Frederic Austin (1872 - 1952), "Terre promise", published 1920 [ medium voice and piano ], from Love's Pilgrimage, London : Enoch [sung text not yet checked]
- by Cecil Forsyth (1870 - 1941), "Terre promise", published <<1940 [ voice and piano ], Boston : Oliver Ditson [sung text not yet checked]
Research team for this page: Emily Ezust [Administrator] , Poom Andrew Pipatjarasgit [Guest Editor]
This text was added to the website: 2010-04-24
Line count: 12
Word count: 97