TAKE THOSE PLEDGES BACK.
Take back those pledges, dearest maid,
Which once I warmly gave,
For then I dreamed I would be free,
And nevermore thy slave.
Yes! take them back once more, for love
Hath made me only thine;
And I should give these gems away,
Whose heart's no longer mine.
'Tis said the heart can often love,
But that can never be;
Though I have bow'd at other shrines,
I never loved but thee.
I feel that thou art dearer far
Than aught this world can give,
And come what may, come grief or joy,
For only thee I live.
Yes! take those pledges back, dear maid,
And let them fondly speak,
The deathless flame that will not fail,
In spring, or winter bleak:
For they have told an honest tale,
That I shall change no more,
Till I shall clasp thy form again
On Heaven's eternal shore.