Verse by Taj Mahomed

When first I loved, I gave my very soul

Utterly unreserved to Love's control,

But Love deceived me, wrenched my youth away

And made the gold of life for ever grey.

Long I lived lonely, yet I tried in vain

With any other Joy to stifle pain;

There is no other joy, I learned to know,

And so returned to Love, as long ago.

Yet I, this little while ere I go hence,

Love very lightly now, in self-defence.