WHY DO I LOVE THEE?

By Walter Richard Cassels

‘ Tis not because thou art so fair,

So beautiful unto the sight;

‘ Tis not because thy silken hair

Curls o'er a neck of spotless white;

‘ Tis not because thy speaking eye

Claims kindred with the deep blue sky,

Alone I love thee!

No!‘ tis because around thee gleams

The light of innocence and truth,

Adorning with its radiant beams,

And pure reflex the charms of youth;

Because thine every word and thought

With thy soul's gentleness is fraught,

Therefore I love thee!