Page:Landon in The New Monthly 1836.pdf/9



I loved her! and her azure eyes Haunted me from sweet sunrise To the dewy evening's close, Dyeing rosier the rose. Yet I said, 'tis best to be Free—and I again was free.

But I changed—and auburn hair Seem'd to float upon the air; Till I thought the orange-flower Breathed of nothing but her bower. Yet I said, 'tis best to be Free—and I again was free.

Next I loved a Moorish maid, And her cheek of moonlit shade; Pale and languid, left my sleep Not a shade but her's to keep. Yet I said, 'tis best to be Free—and I again was free.

But there came a lovelier one; She undid all they had done: I loved—I love her—ah, how well! Language has no power to tell. Now the wonder is to me How I ever lived while free?