Classic Poem

If it be love, in every pulse's tide
To feel a secret pure devoted flame
And with feign'd smiles unceasing torture hide
Deep in the soul — my passion has a name!

If it be love, to live but in one thought,
To breathe but for another — weal or woe
Only to feel when from another caught
This, this is Love! ... I feared it must be so!

If it be Love, to worship night and day
One object — On a fond heart's faithful shrine
All our life's hopes and fears and joys to lay
In silent sacrifice — such love is mine.

If it be love, our being to consume
In unknown, fruitless, uncomplaining tears,
And wish in bitterness an early tomb
Then I have cherished hopeless love for years!