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Dinah Maria Mulock - Cousin Robert
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O COUSIN Robert, far away 
Among the lands of gold, 
How many years since we two met?-- 
You would not like it told. 

O cousin Robert, buried deep 
Amid your bags of gold-- 
I thought I saw you yesternight 
Just as you were of old. 

You own whole leagues--I half a rood 
Behind my cottage door; 
You have your lacs of gold rupees, 
And I my children four; 

Your tall barques dot the dangerous seas, 
My "ship`s come home"--to rest 
Safe anchored from the storms of life 
Upon one faithful breast. 

And it would cause no start or sigh, 
Nor thought of doubt or blame, 
If I should teach our little son 
His cousin Robert`s name.-- 

That name, however wide it rings, 
I oft think, when alone, 
I rather would have seen it graved 
Upon a churchyard stone-- 

Upon the white sunshining stone 
Where cousin Alick lies: 
Ah, sometimes, woe to him that lives! 
Happy is he that dies! 

O Robert, Robert, many a tear-- 
Though not the tears of old-- 
Drops, thinking of your face last night 
Your hand`s remembered fold; 

A young man`s face, so like, so like 
Our mothers` faces fair: 
A young man`s hand, so firm to clasp, 
So resolute to dare. 

I thought you good--I wished you great; 
You were my hope, my pride: 
To know you good, to make you great 
I once had happy died. 

To tear the plague-spot from your heart, 
Place honor on your brow, 
See old age come in crownèd peace-- 
I almost would die now! 

Would give--all that`s now mine to give-- 
To have you sitting there, 
The cousin Robert of my youth-- 
Though beggar`d, with gray hair. 

O Robert, Robert, some that live 
Are dead, long ere they are old; 
Better the pure heart of our youth 
Than palaces of gold; 

Better the blind faith of our youth 
Than doubt, which all truth braves; 
Better to mourn, God`s children dear, 
Than laugh, the Devil`s slaves. 

O Robert, Robert, life is sweet, 
And love is boundless gain: 
Yet if I mind of you, my heart 
Is stabbed with sudden pain: 

And as in peace this Christmas eve 
I close our quiet doors, 
And kiss "good-night" on sleeping heads-- 
Such bonnie curls,--like yours: 

I fall upon my bended knees 
With sobs that choke each word;-- 
"On those who err and are deceived 
Have mercy, O good Lord!"
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