Ask Not If Still I Love
Ask not if still I love,
Too plain these eyes have told thee;
Too well their tears must prove
How near and dear I hold thee.
If, where the brightest shine,
To see no form but thine,
To feel that earth can show
No bliss above thee,—
If this be love, then know
That thus, that thus, I love thee.
’Tis not in pleasure’s idle hour
That thou canst know affection’s power.
No, try its strength in grief or pain;
Attempt as now its bonds to sever,
Thou’lt find true love’s a chain
That binds forever!