If truest love can gain respect,
I may a mutual love expect:
If fond affection can avail,
Then may I hope Love will prevail.
I’d have, my love, a happy home,
(Just what a home should be,)
A home of peace, a home of love,
As made by thee and me.
When true affection warms the breast,
And dreams like these depart;
It matters little what’s our lot,
Love’s home is in the heart.
The sun may shine on forms as fair,
The earth hold hearts as true.
But tell me not what other’s are,—
My only world’s in you.
Yes, I have gaz’d on many an eye,
Perhaps as bright as thine:
But never have I wish’d to call
Them my own Valentine.
O could thy charms be bartered
For all on earth we view,
And I had countless treasures:
I’d give them all for you.
Let him whom wealth enamours,
Still wear its sordid chain;
But, ah ! without thee, dearest,
To me all wealth were vain.
Bid me to live, and I will live,
Thy faithful love to be;
Or bid me to love, and I will give
A loving heart to thee.—
A heart as soft, a heart as kind,
A heart as sound and free,
