Poems and Essays

by Joseph Howe

 

OH THINK NOT THAT MY HEART CAN E’ER.

 
Oh! think not that my heart can e’er
    Before another’s altar bow,
Or that you’ll cease to be as dear
    To that fond heart as you are now.

Oh! think not when we shortly sever,
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    Another’s form will dearer be,
Oh! no,—’tis you—and you forever
    My bosom’s idol still must be.

For while existence I can claim,
    In my heart’s core you’ll be enshrined,
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In death I’ll breathe your much loved name—
    The dearest, far, I leave behind.

You bid me think of you no more,
    But can I from my bosom tear
The thoughts of her I must adore,
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    Whose image still lies buried there?

Oh! what is all this world can give
    Of riches, splendor, pleasure, pride,
If she, for whom alone we live,
    Her heart,—her smile—has still denied?
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What are Ambition’s charms to me?
    Altho’ my mind they oft beguile,
What are they all if wanting thee?
    What are they worth—without your smile? [Page 104]

Oh! if your heart must ne’er be mine,
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    To one more worthy be it given,
And that each blessing may be thine
    Shall be my constant prayer to Heaven.
1823. [Page 105]