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Show LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. But once we've met, yet strange decree, I felt the potent spell of love, And as my soul went out to thee, Against thy power I vainly strove. But once my longing eyes hath gazed Upon thee, stranger as thou art, Yet with a flash that glance up-blazed, And fired with love my youthful heart. E'en though we ne'er shall meet again, And time may float our barques away, Far over the eternal main, Beyond care's fitful foaming spray, Methinks the germ of holy thought, Dwelt in on quick inquiring glace. And on life's title page so wrought the luster of a bright romance. At darkest hour of midnight gloom, When all is silent as the grave, A spirit glides within my room, And floats an instant on a wave Of brightest, purest ecstasy, Then disappears; and I alone Feel doubly the deep misery Which takes the throne of spirit flown. How strange the power, how wild the spell I know not if thine eyes be blue, Nor yet thy name I could not tell, I only know that it was you. And could I find the joyous trace Of love's undying gorgeous flame, Encircling thy enchanting face, I'd never care to know thy name. In waking dreams of fitful scenes, Thy presence soothes each trying spell, And as thy spirit still careens Before me with a mute farewell, I long to grasp the phantom charm, Ere it floats off on wings of light. But as I grasp it takes alarm, And soars away, far, far from sight. I'd give-but I have naught to give, Thou art my soul's felicity; Beneath thy smile I long to live Ah! that would be pure ecstasy. But then whene'er these lines you see, Methinks you'll say, "It is not I." Yet I can truly say ‘tis thee, But cannot give the reason why.-John Idlewood, in Waverly. |