MARGARET TO DOLCINO

By Charles Kingsley

Ask if I love thee? Oh, smiles cannot tell

Plainer what tears are now showing too well.

Had I not loved thee, my sky had been clear:

Had I not loved thee, I had not been here,

Weeping by thee.

Ask if I love thee? How else could I borrow

Pride from man's slander, and strength from my sorrow?

Laugh when they sneer at the fanatic's bride,

Knowing no bliss, save to toil and abide

Weeping by thee.