I LOVED YOU, ONCE —

And did you think my heart

Could keep its love unchanging,

Fresh as the buds that start

In spring, nor know estranging?

Listen! The buds depart:

I loved you once, but now —

I love you more than ever.

‘ T is not the early love;

With day and night it alters,

And onward still must move

Like earth, that never falters

For storm or star above.

I loved you once; but now —

I love you more than ever.

With gifts in those glad days

How eagerly I sought you!

Youth, shining hope, and praise:

These were the gifts I brought you.

In this world little stays:

I loved you once, but now —

I love you more than ever.

A child with glorious eyes

Here in our arms half sleeping —

So passion wakeful lies;

Then grows to manhood, keeping

Its wistful, young surprise:

I loved you once, but now —

I love you more than ever.

When age's pinching air

Strips summer's rich possession,

And leaves the branches bare,

My secret in confession

Still thus with you I'll share:

I loved you once, but now —

I love you more than ever.