Poems by Currer, Ellis, and Acton Bell

 I knew not 'twas so dire a crime
     To say the word, "Adieu;"
     But this shall be the only time
     My lips or heart shall sue.

     That wild hill-side, the winter morn,
     The gnarled and ancient tree,
     If in your breast they waken scorn,
     Shall wake the same in me.

     I can forget black eyes and brows,
     And lips of falsest charm,
     If you forget the sacred vows
     Those faithless lips could form.

     If hard commands can tame your love,
     Or strongest walls can hold,
     I would not wish to grieve above
     A thing so false and cold.

     And there are bosoms bound to mine
     With links both tried and strong:
     And there are eyes whose lightning shine
     Has warmed and blest me long:

     Those eyes shall make my only day,
     Shall set my spirit free,
     And chase the foolish thoughts away
     That mourn your memory.