The Time I've Lost in Wooing


 * The time I've lost in wooing,
 * In watching and pursuing
 * The light that lies
 * In woman's eyes,
 * Has been my heart's undoing.
 * Though Wisdom oft has sought me,
 * I scorn'd the lore she brought me,
 * My only books
 * Were woman's looks,
 * And folly's all they've taught me.


 * Her smile when Beauty granted,
 * I hung with gaze enchanted,
 * Like him, the sprite,
 * Whom maids by night
 * Oft meet in glen that's haunted.
 * Like him, too, Beauty won me,
 * But while her eyes were on me,
 * If once their ray
 * Was turn'd away,
 * Oh! winds could not unrun me.


 * And are these follies going?
 * And is my proud heart growing
 * Too cold or wise
 * For brilliant eyes
 * Again to set it glowing?
 * No, vain, alas! th' endeavour
 * From bonds so sweet to sever;
 * Poor Wisdom's chance
 * Against a glance
 * Is now as weak as ever.