Littell's Living Age/Volume 1/Issue 1/Oh, ask me not how long

TO M———

OH, ask me not how long thy gentle love Hath dwelt on me; I only know ’t is long enough to prove Thy constancy.

I cannot pause to number months, or days, I know alone, If to be faithful be Love’s highest praise, Thou wear’st the crown.

Oh, thou hast loved me long enough to show Thou canst not range; And long enough to bid experience know How others change.

Oh, long enough for the upbraiding thought, That ne’er till now I prized thy love’s rich treasure, as I ought, My all below.

Yes, I have seen full many a dream depart With faithless speed; And some, who should have gently used my heart, Have made it bleed.

And I have rued Affection’s broken vow, And felt the chill Of Friendship’s alterd eye—but, dearest, thou Art faithful still.