For there's nae luck about the house;
There's nae luck at aw;
There's little pleasure in the read more

For there's nae luck about the house;
There's nae luck at aw;
There's little pleasure in the house
When our gudeman's awa.
- William Julius Mickle,

Wives in their husbands' absences grow subtler,
And daughters sometimes run off with the butler.

Wives in their husbands' absences grow subtler,
And daughters sometimes run off with the butler.

I dote on his very absence, and I wish them a fair departure.

I dote on his very absence, and I wish them a fair departure.

It takes time for the absent to assume their true shape in our thoughts. After death they take on a read more

It takes time for the absent to assume their true shape in our thoughts. After death they take on a firmer outline and then cease to change.

Absence from those we love is self from self - a deadly banishment.

Absence from those we love is self from self - a deadly banishment.

Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones, as
the wind extinguishes candles and fans a fire.
[Fr., read more

Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones, as
the wind extinguishes candles and fans a fire.
[Fr., L'absence diminue les mediocres passions et augmente les
grandes, comme le vent eteint les bougies et allume le feu.]

'Presents,' I often say, 'endear absents.'

'Presents,' I often say, 'endear absents.'

Thou art gone from my gaze like a beautiful dream.
And I seek then in vain by the meadow read more

Thou art gone from my gaze like a beautiful dream.
And I seek then in vain by the meadow and stream.

What shall I do with all the days and hours
That must be counted ere I see thy face?
read more

What shall I do with all the days and hours
That must be counted ere I see thy face?
How shall I charm the interval that lowers
Between this time and that sweet time of grace?