THEY tell me that I must not love,
That thou wilt spurn the free
And unbought tenderness that gives
Its hidden wealth to thee.
It may be so: I heed it not,
Nor would I change my blissful lot,
When thus I am allowed to make
My heart a bankrupt for thy sake.

They tell me when the fleeting charm
Of novelty is o’er,
Thou ’lt turn away with careless brow
And think of me no more.
It may be so! enough for me
If sunny skies still smile o’er thee,
Or I can trace, when thou art far,
Thy pathway like a distant star.