It may not always be so

And I say that if your lips

Which I have loved

Should touch another's

And your dear strong fingers clutch his heart

As mine in time not far away



If on another's face your sweet hair lay

In such a silence as I know

Or such great writhing words as, uttering overmuch

Stand helplessly before the spirit at bay



If this should be, I say if this should be

You of my heart, send me a little word

That I may go unto her, and take her hands saying

Accept all happiness from me

Then shall I turn my face

And hear one bird sing terribly afar in the lost lands