Mary

YES, we were happy once, and care

My jocund heart could ne'er surprise;

My treasures were, her golden hair,

Her ruby lips, her brilliant eyes.

My treasures were--alas! depart

Ye visions of what used to be!

Cursed be the heart--the cruel heart--

That stole my Mary's love from me.

Dark are my joyless days--and thou--

Dost thou too dream, and dreaming weep?

Or, careless of thy broken vow,

Unholy revels dost thou keep?

No, Mary, no,--we loved too well,

Such deep oblivion cannot be;

Cursed be the lips, where guile could dwell,

To lure thy love away from me!

It cannot be!--ah! haply, while

With wild reproach I greet thy name,

Thy ruby lip hath ceased to smile--

Thy happy head is bowed with shame!

Haply, with haggard want opprest,

Thou weepest where no eye may see;

Cursed be the spoiler's cruel breast--

But, oh! my Mary--heaven shield thee!