I knew thee well when first we met;
I knew thee well when seldom seen;
When we had parted, plainlier yet
I read thy nature—nay, thy mien.
Thine earliest glance my tremors stayed;
Then softly, and by slow degrees,
With thee my confidence I made,
And, pleased, discovered I could please.
But now that we are drawn so near,
I lose thee in thine own fair light;