Burned ruddier than the blood-red Mars.

Thy sweet, low voice waked in my heart

Dead memories of my mother’s love.

My long-lost sister’s artless art

Lived in thy smiles, my gentle dove.

Dear Alice, how thy charm and grace

Kindled my dull and stagnant life!

From first I saw thy winning face,

My whole heart claimed thee for my wife.

I thought you’d make me happy, dear: