Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

William James Linton 1812–97

Weep Not! Sigh Not!

Linton-W

WEEP not! tears must vainly fall,

Though they fall like rain:

Sorrow’s flood shall not recall

Love ’s dear life again.

Vain thy tears,

Vain thy sobs;

As vain heart-throbs

Of lonely years

Since thou Love hast slain.

Sigh not! As a passed wind

Is but sought in vain,

Sighs nor groans may not unbind

Death’s unbroken chain.

Sighs and tears

Nought avail,

Nor cheeks grown pale

In lonely years.

Love comes not again.