"After" is a song written by the English composer Edward Elgar in 1895, as his Op. 31, No. 1, with the words from a poem by Philip Bourke Marston.[1] [2]
The manuscript is dated 21 June 1895.[1] [2]
The song was first performed by the Irish baritone Harry Plunket Greene in St. James's Hall on 2 March 1900, together with A Song of Flight, Op. 31, No. 2.[1]
A little time for laughter, A little time to sing, A little time to kiss and cling,And no more kissing after. A little while for scheming Love's unperfected schemes; A little time for golden dreams,Then no more any dreaming.
A little while 'twas given To me to have thy love; Now, like a ghost, alone I moveAbout a ruined heaven.
A little time for speaking Things sweet to say and hear; A time to seek, and find thee near,Then no more any seeking.
A little time for saying Words the heart breaks to say; A short, sharp time wherein to pray,Then no more need for praying;
But long, long years to weep in, And comprehend the whole Great grief, that desolates the soul,And eternity to sleep in.[3]