Classic Poem

O had I love-inspiring eyes
As brightly blue as summer skies:
Rich locks flowing wave on wave,
Lips ‘whose hue, angry and brave’
Makes the rose less fair to see,
A form of finest symmetry,
Such as angels wear above,—
Then, then I'd pray to be thy love.

O were I of a home possest
Like fabled islands of the blest,
Where nobler woods and purer streams,
And meads enriched with gladder beams
Than earth can boast or poets feign,
Outshone the gold of Saturn's reign,
I'd pray the gods on bended knee
That thou might'st share that home with me.

But ah! my looks are dim and wan
As flow'rs when evening shades come on:
For Hope, that on my heart lies dead
Her deathy hue hath round her spread;
And Love's deep glow within my heart
Is imaged in no outward part:—
I'd rather Night should wed with Day
Than thou in my dull shadow stay.

Nor hath this earth a spot so fair
That I could wish thy home were there;
Better in dreams to have thee mine
Than here where suns so feeble shine:
In heaven thy blissful seat provide,
Myself a spirit by thy side,
And Love's glad prospect never-ending
Its mazes in our sight extending.