Henry Alford Poems

Thou wert fair, Lady Mary,
As the lily in the sun:
And fairer yet thou mightest be,
Thy youth was but begun:
...

Refresh me with the bright blue violet,
And put the pale faint--scented primrose near,
For I am breathing yet:
Shed not one silly tear;
...

I know not if the dark or bright
Shall be my lot:
If that wherein my hopes delight
Be best or not.
...

Drifting away
Like mote on the stream,
To--day's disappointment
Yesterday's dream;
...

There is a sweet well--spring of purity
In the holy heart, whereout unceasing flow
Its living waters, freshening as they go
...

Beautiful babe, I gaze upon thy face
That bears no trace of earth: thy silk--soft cheek
Gladdens me even to tears, and thy full eyes
...

'Tis just the moment when time hangs in doubt
Between the parting and the coming day:
The deep clock tolleth twelve: and its full tide
...

Oh for one word of that Almighty voice,
Whose tone, though gentle, pierced the ear of death--
Talitha, cumi! Oh that He might stand
...

This fragrant plant from sunny Italy,
Plucked by our passing hand, was homeward brought:
Memorial of that favoured clime to be,
...

--Like a great river, toward the rising sun
Broad Hellespont is flowing: far beyond,
Over a land of never--dying names,
...