May Probyn.
MIGHT LOVE BE BOUGHT.
Might Love be bought, I were full fain
My all to give thy love to gain.
Yet would such getting profit naught;
Possession with keen fears were fraught,
Would make even love's blisses vain.
For who could tell what god might deign
His golden treasures round thee rain,
Till ruin on my hopes were brought,
Might Love be bought.
Better a pensioner remain
On thy dear grace, since to attain
To worthiness in vain I sought.
Thy kindness hath assurance wrought
Could never be between us twain
Might Love be bought.
Arlo Bates.
IN THY CLEAR EYES.
In thy clear eyes, fairest, I see
Sometimes of love a transient glow;
But ere my heart assured may be,
With cold disdain thou mockest me:
Hope fades as songs to silence flow.
Ah! most bewitching, mocking she,
Fairer than poet's dream may show,
The glance of scorn how can I dree
In thy clear eyes?