ANTICIPATED
Oh I have wealth, and could have placed
Upon your head a golden crown,
But Nature, having had my taste,
And being first, has set one down.
I could have given you rubies rare,
And sapphires of a heavenly hue,
And pearls all shimmering soft and fair;
But here she’s been before me too.
For ruby lips to you she’s given,
And strung two pearly rows between,
And sapphire eyes more blue than heaven
She’s dowered you with, my queen, my queen!
I needs must be content to lay
My heart’s best treasures at your feet:
Without love’s gem, which shines for aye,
The fairest crown were incomplete.
WHEN THOU ART NEAR
A SONG
When thou art near no other face I see,
Thy voice is all the music I can hear;
My heart’s desire is granted unto me
When thou art near.
When thou art near I am content, nay more,
I’m blest in breathing the same atmosphere.
To higher heights my aspirations soar
When thou art near.
When thou art near, though yet I dare not lay
My lips on those I hold so very dear,
I know that heaven is not so far away
When thou art near.