University of Virginia Library

MY BEAUTIFUL.

My Beautiful, and yet not fair to me,
Though that sweet heart was ever linked with mine,
Since young affection first began to twine
Its tendrils round the hope that might not be;
For other alien lips now mix with thine,
And other hateful kisses fall on thee,
While those bright eyes must now to order shine,
For one from whom thou would'st arise and flee.
My Beautiful, and yet I love thee still,
Though other hands with thee may work their will,
And force caresses that they cannot keep;
Yea, though another make thee laugh or weep,
Doth not my love and not another's fill
The circle of thy breast with passion deep?