Classic Poem

The magic of that name is fled,
The music of that dream is dead,
Long since Love's rose, its perfume, shed,
And what art thou to me?
If you have come to clasp again,
The fetter of that fairy chain,
You'd better far at home remain,
And save your time — and knee!
And yet that dream was strangely dear,
And yet that name awakes a tear,
The wraith of Love's sweet Rose is here,
It haunts me everywhere!
I wish the chain were still unbroken,
I wish those words again were spoken,
I wish I'd kept that last fond token,
And had not burned your hair!
I wish your voice still sounded sweet,
I wish you dared Love's vow repeat,
I wish you were not all deceit,
And I so fickle-hearted!
I wish we might go back again,
I wish you could reclasp the chain!
I wish — you hadn't drank champagne,
So freely since we parted!
Alas! While Flattery baits your line,
You fish in shallower hearts than mine!
You'll never find a pearl divine
Like that my spirit wasted!
But should you catch a seeming prize,
A flying fish you'll see it rise,
Away — beyond your wicked eyes,
Before the treasure's tasted!
Oh! if those eyes were splendid now,
As when they spoke the silent vow!
Oh! if the locks that wreath your brow,
Were not — but this is idle!
My wish shall be with kindness rife,
I'll wish you all the joys of life,
A pleasant home — a peerless wife,
Whose wishes, Sense shall bridle!