I br O LIFE, dear Life, in this fair house br Long since did I, it seems to me, br In some mysterious doleful way br Fall out of love with thee. br br For, Life, thou art become a ghost, br A memory of days gone by, br A poor forsaken thing between br A heartache and a sigh. br br And now, with shadows from the hills br Thronging the twilight, wraith on wraith, br Unlock the door and let me go br To thy dark rival Death! br br br II br O Heart, dear Heart, in this fair house br Why hast thou wearied and grown tired, br Between a morning and a night, br Of all thy soul desired? br br Fond one, who cannot understand, br Even these shadows on the floor, br Yet must be dreaming of dark loves br And joys beyond my door! br br But I am beautiful past all br The timid tumult of thy mood, br And thou returning not must still br Be mine in solitude.