Classic Poem

I LOVED her when she looked from me,
And hid her stifled sighs:
I loved her too when she did smile
With shy and downcast eyes,
The light within them rounding " like
The young moon in its rise. "

I loved her! — Dost thou love no more,
Now she from thee is flown,
To some far distant — distant shore,
Unfetter'd, and alone?
Peace, peace! I know her: She will come
Again, and be mine own.

A kiss — a sigh — a little word
We changed, when we did part;
No more; yet read I in her eyes
The promise of her heart;
And Hope (who from all others flies)
From me will ne'er depart.

So here I live — a lover lone,
Contented with my state,
More sure of love, if she return,
Than others are of hate:
And if she die? — I too can die,
Content still with my fate.