Sonnet 6 (Sonnets, 1833)

I loved thee once, when every thought of mine -
Was hope and joy, — and now I love thee still,
In sorrow and despair : — a hopeless will
From its lone purpose never can decline.
I did not choose thee for my Valentine
By the blind omen of a merry season, —
'Twas not thy smile that brib'd my partial reason,
Tho' never maiden's smile was good as thine
Nor did I to thy goodness wed my heart,
Dreaming of soft delights and honied kisses,
Although thou wert complete in every part,
A stainless paradise of holy blisses :
I loved thee for the lovely soul thou art, —
Thou canst not change so true a love as this is.