"Years passed; we grew; I loved her more and more, And pleased our relatives th' attachment saw; But soon I left for Cam's far distant shore, Exchanging love and peace for ancient lore. Yet short my college life appears, for I Had well been trained, and sought to try To soar above the mass, and force proud Fame Within her tablets to inscribe my name: Not from ambition, but the wish to prove Worthy my guardian's and Rosina's love. How well can I remember now that day, When, with the honours I had borne away, I homeward flew, to lay them at her feet, And hear her voice than highest praise more sweet. But Disappointment mocked my eager gaze, As anxiously (from out the post-drawn chaise) I watched to see her graceful form appear From out the cot, and, chilled with unknown fear, My heart shrunk back and dared not hope that she Would at my guardian's be awaiting me. "My worthy uncle welcomed me with joy, But even kindness sometimes can annoy, For on that night he talked as much, I'm sure, As he had done in any week before, While I so often cast a glance around. He asked, at length, if I much diff'rence found In the old house?--this proved a hint to me, And made me notice more his courtesy. "'Rosina and her mother went,' said he, 'A week ago some distant friend to see: They hope to see you, though, before you leave. A month or two they stay there, I believe.' "How vain is Hope's, how frail is Pleasure's charm! Anticipation well may boast the palm; While Happiness, like spectre in disguise, Enchants, and then for ever from us flies. "Thus was the dream of months,--yea years, destroyed, And nought was left me but a restless void, To furnish which I studied ev'ry cause Of mortal Pain, and Chemistry's fixed laws; But though I learnt the broken limb to bind I found no ease for my distracted mind. But much too long upon these scenes I dwell, Excuse me, sir, for ev'ry word I tell Seems like an echo from the ruined past, Fresh as if Time this moment wound the blast. "My friends returned a week before the day Fixed as the utmost limit of my stay, For all th' arrangements had been made for me To practise sciences and surgery. But greatly had Rosina changed since I In sadness wished her that last, long good-bye. The bounding step I loved so much to greet Was stately now, while for those kisses sweet (Which would such rapture in my bosom wake) She proffered me her tiny hand to shake. I rather disappointed felt, I own, To find the girl to womanhood had grown, But yet I would not any charm displace; For each she wore with such bewitching grace, That soon I liked her gentleness far more Than e'en the lively mirth I loved before.