If this be friendship--that one broken hour
(O fragile link in all the loving years!)
Can cast our hearts asunder, Time appears
Frightful indeed, since all our vaunted power,
Wherewith we built high hope, like some strong tower,
Crumbles to dust, where earthly passion leers.
What of our laughter? Aye, what of our tears
That should have only watered Friendship's flower?
If this be friendship, I can never know
Again the magic faith I boasted of;
One deed of mine has crushed the house of love,
And every stone to its old place must go.
Shame be to our endurance if we killed
The sinews that can help us to rebuild!