Can someone help me with poem by Lweis Carroll?

Question

Poetry of Lewis Carroll
A VALENTINE

[Sent to a friend who had complained that I was glad enough to see him when he came, but didn't seem to miss him if he stayed away.]

And cannot pleasures, while they last,
Be actual unless, when past,
They leave us shuddering and aghast,
With anguish smarting?
And cannot friends be firm and fast,
And yet bear parting?
And must I then, at Friendship's call,
Calmly resign the little all
(Trifling, I grant, it is and small)
I have of gladness,
And lend my being to the thrall
Of gloom and sadness?
And think you that I should be dumb,
And full DOLORUM OMNIUM,
Excepting when YOU choose to come
And share my dinner?
At other times be sour and glum
And daily thinner?
Must he then only live to weep,
Who'd prove his friendship true and deep
By day a lonely shadow creep,
At night-time languish,
Oft raising in his broken sleep
The moan of angu

Answer 1

Oh, this says it all! The man was a genius. I can't believe I had never see this one. I need to send it to someone I know very well who comes whenever she pleases, (sometimes with strangers to me), "shares my dinner," and then leaves. And I'm often glad to see her go, although she is a good friend. But some friends are best loved at a distance!

Answer 2

What's the question? You're missing three more verses, according to "The Humorous Verse of Lewis Carroll". [Dover 0-486-20654-8]

Answer 3

Help you do what?


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