UNPUBLISHED SONGS, ETC ASK NOT IF STILL I LOVE. ASK not if still I love, Too plain these eyes have told thee; Too well their tears must prove How near and dear I hold thee. If, where the brightest shine, To see no form but thine, To feel that earth can show No bliss above thee, If this be love, then know That thus, that thus, I love thee. "Tis not in pleasure's idle hour Attempt, as now, its bonds to sever, That binds for ever! DEAR? YES. DEAR? yes, tho' mine no more, Ev'n this but makes thee dearer; Change as thou wilt to me, Yet still, though false, believe That I adore thee, yes, still adore thee. Think'st thou that aught but death could end A tie not falsehood's self can rend? No, when alone, far off I die, No more to see, no more caress thee, Ev'n then, my life's last sigh Shall be to bless thee, yes, still to bless thee. UNBIND THEE, LOVE. UNBIND thee, love, unbind thee, love, From those dark ties unbind thee; Though fairest hand the chain hath wove, Too long its links have twined thee. Away from earth! thy wings were made In yon mid-sky to hover, |