LOVE'S CAPTIVE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2603, 3 February 1904, Page 67

LOVE'S CAPTIVE.

\Xv Vipait is p-onc— l cannot Trriug it back To animltl once mere this almost soulless

Unwitting' thief ! That placed upon the rack This soul oi mine, since first I saw thee one fair summer's d?y. There sprang to life that day, a little speck Of love, which as a very ocean spreads to- "" All vainly' strove this will to hold in check An ever-growing love which saps my wetuy life away. msou-gM, undreamt of-yes, I knew it well, Yet powerless was I to restrain its gathering tide; , , „ ■,■, Ir vair my utmost strength to oheck its swell. To Heaven, which seemed as brass, I agonising cried In piteous prayers, this passion to remove From out my very life— that image to efface "Which dwelt within: or grant my life this love ' For which it baats itself away m dark Despair's embrace. In thoughtlessness, full many a tirnr had I Smiled scornfully at unrequited love, Nor deemed that I could e'er unheeded sigh, Whilo heart victorious o'er the will should prove. Kcturn, sad heart! In vair. you seek your rest, Cast off your fetters, corns once more untrammelled, free, Rise, conquered will ! Give forth thy .stern behest; Assert once more thy power, and bring my heart to me As in times past, when, moved by sweet emotion, My heart went fort!" in melting tenderness so fain, - And basked awhile in transient devotion; But. when I willed, I called my heart my own

again. Unconscious soul: the source that set in

motion Tho pent-up torrent of a humon love, Ihcu Smay'st skim these words, nor reck the moaning ocean That throbs beneath the lines by living sentiment wove. Not thine reproach, thy soul is honour's

er sence, Tei'der, yet strong, and blent with purity; Magnetic charms, and sweet inspiring pre-

sence, That lured my heart from out its long security. But, shoufdst thou "near, in sohtudte or slumbers, A stirring, as of heart-beat pulsing near to jlhou'lt^iear it tell in stifled, mournful num•Cb« b story of this wasted love and captive heart of mine.