Poems (Welby)/I Know Thee Not

by Amelia Welby

I KNOW THEE NOT.

I know thee not—I never heard thy voice,
 Yet, could I choose a friend from all mankind,
Thy spirit high, should be my spirit's choice,
 Thy heart should guide my heart, thy mind, my mind!

I know not if thy features be akin
 To thy bright thoughts—or if thy lashes fall
O'er sparkling orbs—I only sigh to win
 The soul that speaks, and sparkles through them all!

I know not if thou'rt blest—I hope thou art!
 Yet O! I envy her to whom belongs
The priceless treasure of thy free, high heart,
 With all its wild sweet thoughts, and sweeter songs!

I know not if thou'lt ever, ever press
 My trembling hand in thine—to meet with thee!
O! I should die for very blessedness,
 So sweetly painful would that meeting be!

I know not if thou think'st of me afar,
 Yet oft, I sit alone amid my flowers,
And fix my sad gaze on some still bright star,
 And muse on thee through long uncounted hours!

I know thou dost not—canst not think of me!
 Alas! my heart would leap with joy elate
Could I but hope that I might sometimes be
 A thought within thy soul—its spirit-mate!

I know not why my heart should thus be stirred
 By these wild thoughts—thou dost not pine for me!
And yet, how oft I pine to be a bird—
 A star—or any thing that 's loved by thee!

I know not if I e'er shall list thy tone,
 Or blushing, thrill beneath thy thrilling touch;
Thy songs, thy fame, are all my heart hath known,
 And knowing this alone—it knows too much!