Studies in Verse

to thought replying, Beam those deep eyes of thine; I read them through, I feel thy dear hand lying Thus trustfully in mine. If thou should'st guess all I am now concealing, If thou indeed should'st see How every thought I have and every feeling, Is passion full of thee, Would'st thou, with sudden lights of girlish laughter, Sharp shafts of girlish scorn, Mock the dark night that dares to sorrow after The brightness of the morn ? Would'st thou, indeed, since thou art tender-hearted, Pity a love so vain,? With scornful pity ??Yet we should be parted, And never meet again ; Thou nevermore would'st yield, for all my sighing, Those clear frank eyes of thine ; I nevermore might feel thy dear hand lying Thus trustfully in mine. I would not have you love me, dear, I am too sad and old ; My brightest hope is half a fear, My warmest kiss is cold, my dear, My warmest kiss is cold. I only ask to love you, dear, And do whate'er you will, I cannot choose, but year by year Must love and love you still, my dear," Must love and love you still. Thy soul is sad?I must not seem to know it; I know of comfort?dare not tell it thee ; I read thy heart, although thou would'st not show it, I see there is no place in it for me. But what of that ??The passion that thou fearest Is silent?shall remain so to the end ; Trust what is greatest in thee?trust me, dearest, Be brave enough to take me for...