Believe me, if all those endearing young charms
Which I gaze on so fondly today
Were to change by tomorrow, and fleet in my arms
Like fairy-gifts, fading away!
Thou wouldst still be ador'd as this moment thou art
Let thy loveliness fade as it will;
And, around the dear ruin, each wish of my heart
Would entwine itself verdantly still!

It is not while beauty and youth are thine own
Or thy cheeks unprofan'd by a tear
That the fervour and faith of a soul can be known
To which time can but make thee more dear!
No! the heart that has truly lov'd, never forgets
But as truly loves on to the close;
As the sun-flower turns to her god, when he sets
The same look which she turn'd when he rose!