To Ann

Thou wert as a lake that lieth
In a bright and sunny way;
I was as a bird that flieth
O'er it on a pleasant day;
When I look'd upon thy features
Presence then some feeling lent;
But thou knowest, most false of creatures,
With thy form thy image went.
With a kiss my vow was greeted,
As I knelt before thy shrine;
But I saw that kiss repeated
On another lip than mine;
And a solemn vow was spoken
That thy heart should not be changed;
But that binding vow was broken,
And thy spirit was estranged.
I could blame thee for awaking
Thoughts the world will but deride;
Calling out, and then forsaking
Flower? the winter wind will chide;
Guiling to the midway ocean
Barks that tremble by the shore;
But I hush the sad emotion,
And will punish thee no more.