University of Virginia Library


90

TO CAROLINE.

Though thousand gems, of dazzling ray,
Will glow and sparkle through the day,
The diamond only has the power
To shine in midnight's darkest hour;
So hearts that bask in beauty's smile,
With borrowed ray may glow awhile,
But mine, dear girl, is warm and bright,
Though absence shroud the gem in night.
Yes, absence is affection's test,
I feel the truth within my breast;
For every hour and every mile,
That bars me from thy cheering smile,
Imparts new ardor to the flame,
That warms and animates my frame;
But ere it too intensely burn,
In pity, love, return!—return.