Page:Poems of Sentiment and Imagination.djvu/184

180 Like the fullness of that gladness
 * Is the wildness of this pain!

I was artless when you sought me;
 * I was but a dreaming child;

But you woke my inner spirit
 * To devotion deep and wild.

On the altar in my bosom—
 * Laid I down my priceless trust—

But the holy shrine is broken.
 * And the gift lies in the dust!

Not as others I esteemed thee,
 * But so gifted and so grand.

That upon thy placid forehead
 * Did I fear to lay my hand;

And my love and reverence blended
 * With a radiance purer far,

Than the light yet undescended
 * From the circle of a star.

In one glorious river gliding,
 * Ev'ry word and every thought,

In its bosom jewels hiding,
 * To thy soul's deep fountain brought

All the wealth of my affection,
 * All emotions pure and deep,—

As all waves in one direction
 * To the ocean onward sweep.

I blessed you when you held my hands,
 * And looked into my face;

I blessed you when you folded me
 * In a mute, hushed embrace;

I blessed you when your fervid lips
 * Were pressed upon my brow;

I loved you—but oh! agony!
 * I dare not love you now!

Why did they come, those dearest ones.
 * And whisper in my ear

The words of fearful meaning,