50
THE COQUETTE.
Provokingly cold at first he seemed, Like crystal to smiles and sighs,But at last he felt the magic that gleamed In my dreamy violet eyes.
And I led him on and on, Farther, in truth, than I strove,For he frightened me with the earnestness And violence of his love;These calm-eyed men deceive Had I known the man had a heart,I would have paused, I would, I believe, Have acted a different part.
In his royal indignation He uttered some wholesome truth—He almost roused the emotion That died in my innocent youth;Emotion that lived when life was new, Ere that man my pathway crossed,Who played me a game untrue, When I staked all my love, and lost.
Oh for a saintly beauty, What efforts my soul did make;I thought all goodness and purity Were possible for his sake;
