The Book of Scottish Song/The Maid's Remonstrance

by Thomas Campbell

The Maid's Remonstrance.

[Thomas Campbell.]

Never wedding, ever wooing,
Still a love-torn heart pursuing,-
Read you not the wrongs you're doing,
In my cheek's pale hue?
All my life with sorrow strewing,
Wed—or cease to woo.

Rivals banish'd, bosoms plighted,
Still our days are disunited,
Now the lamp of hope is lighted,
Now half quench'd appears,
Damp'd, and wavering, and benighted,
'Midst my sighs and tears.

Charms you call your dearest blessing,
Lips that thrill at your caressing,
Eyes a mutual soul confessing,
Soon you'll make them grow
Dim, and worthless your possessing,
Not with age but woe.

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