Such chain as that 'twere ill that thou shouldst wear!
I would not have thee swayed, dear love, by aught
Thy manhood would disclaim; nor would I hold
Thee prisoner to my clinging heart, howe'er
Its pleading touch would seek to thee enfold!
Love cannot live where faith and trust are not,—
Love will not brook a gilded chain to wear;—
And where the fetters bind, the bird's sweet song
Is hushed—the skies above, no more, are fair!
But I would hold thee in my heart of hearts