WHEN FIRST WE MET.
I
When first we met, I gaz'd on thee,
As on some spirit from above;
Whose beauty seem'd too pure to be
Profan'd by thoughts of earthly love,
When noble friends around thee mov'd,
And life's most precious gifts were thine
How could I dare confess I lov'd?
How could I hope to call thee mine?
II
But when I saw thy bright eyes seek
For me amid the glitt'ring throng—
When I was told that lovely cheek
Grew paler if I linger'd long;
And when I knew thou didst not shun
The path where I was sure to be,
Was I to blame for loving one
Who deign'd to own her love for me?
III
Though many tell me thou hast smil'd
On others kindly as on me;
And that my heart has been beguil'd
By a mere trifler's vanity,
I cannot—will not think it true,
Nor link thy name with woman's guile;
If it be so,—Ah! then adieu
To woman's love and woman's smile.
