William Cox Bennett-A Valentine
A Valentine |
Gentle quiet of her eye, To my asking deign reply; By the impassioned day made bold, Be thy hoarded secret told; Or by trusting glance or fall Of thy fluttering look from mine, Dower my thought with hopes divine, Hopes no coldness may recal; Sweet betrayer, bid me see If not in thy depths there be Love thy coyness keeps from me. Stainèd whiteness of her cheek Quit thy fear and prithee speak, All to-day should bid thee tell, All that thou hast hid so well; Through the day-dawn of a flush, Dimpling ripple of a smile, Oh, let watching love beguile Thy sweet secret from its hush! Give me, this sweet day, to know If, thy rosy calm below, Love lurk not, thou wilt not show. Oh, thou music of her speech, Leave thou meaner things and teach Listening love the all he'd learn! Give the enamoured air to burn With thy sumless burdens; round, Words half silence---many a tone Caught by love's hushed ear alone, Thoughts that tremble into sound, Breathe!---Oh, utterance all divine, Bid me know she would be mine--- That I am her valentine! |