THE relic taken, what avails the shrine? br The locket, pictureless? O heart of mine, br Art thou not worse than that, br Still warm, a vacant nest where love once sat? br br Her image nestled closer at my heart br Than cherished memories, healed every smart br And warmed it more than wine br Or the full summer sun in noon-day shine. br br This was the little weather gleam that lit br The cloudy promontories - the real charm was br That gilded hills and woods br And walked beside me thro' the solitudes. br br The sun is set. My heart is widowed now br Of that companion-thought. Alone I plough br The seas of life, and trace br A separate furrow far from her and grace.