WHEN we two parted   In silence and tears, Half broken-hearted   To sever for years, Pale grew thy cheek and cold,   Colder thy kiss; Truly that hour foretold   Sorrow to this.

The dew of the morning   Sunk chill on my brow— It felt like the warning   Of what I feel now. Thy vows are all broken,   And light is thy fame: I hear thy name spoken,   And share in its shame.

They name thee before me,   A knell to mine ear; A shudder comes o'er me—   Why wert thou so dear? They know not I knew thee,   Who knew thee too well: Long, long shall I rue thee,   Too deeply to tell.

In secret we met—   In silence I grieve, That thy heart could forget,   Thy spirit deceive. If I should meet thee   After long years, How should I greet thee?   With silence and tears.