Anne Brontë’s “Farewell” is spoken by someone who must part from a beloved figure, yet she flatly refuses to say goodbye to her fondest thoughts. Those will dwell in her heart, cheering and comforting her. She recalls a grace and beauty that surpassed any ideal she could have dreamed up. Even if she never sees that face or hears that voice again, she is determined to keep their memory alive. The voice stirred an echo in her breast; the laughing eye she will treasure no less; and the smile—no words can capture its joy. Despite the separation, she cannot let go of hope, even when contempt or coldness tries to chill it. She dares to imagine that heaven might someday answer her prayers, giving joy for anguish, smiles for tears. The mood is gentle and melancholy, yet threaded with quiet resilience and a fragile, persistent hope.
Farewell — Summary
Farewell to thee! but not farewell To all my fondest thoughts of thee: Within my heart they still shall dwell; And they shall cheer and comfort me. O, beautiful, and full of grace! If thou hadst never met mine eye, I had not dreamed a living face Could fancied charms so far outvie.
If I may ne'er behold again That form and face so dear to me, Nor hear thy voice, still would I fain Preserve, for aye, their memory.
That voice, the magic of whose tone Can wake an echo in my breast, Creating feelings that, alone, Can make my tranced spirit blest.
That laughing eye, whose sunny beam My memory would not cherish less; -- And oh, that smile! whose joyous gleam Nor mortal language can express.
Adieu, but let me cherish, still, The hope with which I cannot part. Contempt may wound, and coldness chill, But still it lingers in my heart.
And who can tell but Heaven, at last, May answer all my thousand prayers, And bid the future pay the past With joy for anguish, smiles for tears?