Poems (Betham)/"What do I love"
SONG.Set to Music by Mr, Voight.
What do I love: A polish'd mind,A temper cheerful, meek, and kind;A graceful air, unsway'd by art,A voice that sinks into the heart,A playful and benignant smile—Alas! my heart responds the while, All this, my Emily, is true, But I love more in loving you!
I love those roses when they rise,From joy, from anger, or surprise;I love the kind, attentive zeal,So prompt to know what others feel, The mildness which can ne'er reprove,But in the sweetest tones of love— All this, my Emily, is true, But I love more in loving you!
The self-command which can sustain,In silence, weariness and pain;The transport at a friend's success,Which has not words or power to bless,But, by a sudden, starting tear,Appears more precious, more sincere— All this, my Emily, is true, And this I love in loving you!