Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems by the late Thomas Haynes Bayly; Edited by his Widow. With A Memoir of the Author. In Two Volumes |
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I CANNOT CALL THEE FAIR. |
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 | Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems |  |
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I CANNOT CALL THEE FAIR.
I
I cannot call thee fair, my child,I cannot call thee fair,
Unless a perfect form and face
Be joined to gifts more rare;
If to thy features blameless thoughts
The boasted charm impart,
I'll own that thou art beautiful,
And press thee to my heart!
II
I cannot call thee eloquent,Nor listen with delight,
Like some, who deem that ruby lips
Are always in the right;
But if from truth's integrity
Thy accents ne'er depart,
I'll own that thou art eloquent,
And press thee to my heart!
III
I cannot call thee fortunate,E'en should I see thee count
Thy worldly treasures o'er and o'er,
And boast of their amount;
But if the friendless, of thy store,
May claim an ample part,
I'll own that thou art fortunate,
And press thee to my heart!
| Songs, Ballads, and Other Poems | |