Page:The Lover's Songster; a New Song Book; Being a Choice Collection of Celebrated Love Songs WDL3360.pdf/12



EAR maid, by every hope of bliss, By love's first pledge, the virgin kiss, By heaven and earth, I love thee! For ever in this heart shall dwell The lovely form whose charms compel This falt'ring tongue to softly tell, How much, dear maid, I love thee!

Tho' time or place should intervene, Still time, that changes every scene, Would make me still more love thee! Tho' far apart as pole from pole, I still should feel thy love controul While my devoted, constant soul, Would but exist to love thee!

UST like love is yonder rose, Heavenly fragrance round it throws; Yet tears its dewy leaves disclose, And in the midst of briars it blows, Just like love. Cull'd to bloom upon the breast, Since rude thorns the stem invest, They must be gather'd with the rest, And with it to the heart be press'd, Just like love. And when rude hands the twin buds sever, They die—and they shall blossom never, —Yet, the thorns be sharp as ever, Just like love.