Classic Poem

But to have hung enamoured on those lips
To drink the passion of those beaming eyes!
Yet, yet to feel th'intoxicating power
Which stole into my heart at every word
Of that soft voice that vibrates in my ear —
Thus to have loved and loved to extasy
And be beloved again — Oh rapturous bliss!
Destroyed and lost! Yes all on earth conspired
Against the voice of Heaven; against my hopes;
And must I never more indulge the dreams
That love to call thee by a name even yet
More fond more sacred more endeared than lover?
Must I resign the image of delight
When in the gentle pressure of thine arms
Methinks I hang upon that neck adored
Gaze on thine angel smile or taste thy kiss?
Forced to abandon thee to give thee up!
Forget the hopeless and forever lost! ...
Hence! hence ye terrible ideas hence! . . . . . . . . .