Hand in Hand/Inconstancy

by Alice MacDonald Kipling

For works with similar titles, see Inconstancy.

Inconstancy

WHEN from afar I saw your beauty shine,
I thought that my whole life were fitly given,
If by such gift I made your beauty mine,
If by such loss I gained the highest heaven.

But when I stood beside you, and your eyes
Were raised to mine, their brightness all unveiled,
The charm had vanished; with a sad surprise
I found with nearness all desire had failed.

If you had changed, or I had witless grown,
Blind to your beauty, deaf to your sweet speech,
I knew not, when as cold as any stone,
I turned from all that seemed within my reach.

Now near, nor far, no longer I desire
That which of late set all my heart on fire.