YES! I know you're very fair; And the rose-bloom of your cheek, And the gold-crown of your hair, Seem of tender love to speak. But to me they speak in vain, I am growing old, my pet— Ah, if I could love you now As I used to love Rosette! In your carriage every day I can see you bow and smile; Lovers your least word obey, Mistress you of every wile. She was poor, and went on foot, Badly drest, you know,—and yet,— Ah! if I could love you now As I used to love Rosette! You are clever, and well known For your wit so quick and free;— Now, Rosette, I blush to own, Scarcely knew her A B C; But she had a potent charm In my youth:—ah, vain regret! If I could but love you now As I used to love Rosette! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...YOUTH'S IMMORTALITY by GEORGE SANTAYANA MORTAL COMBAT by MARY ELIZABETH COLERIDGE MODERN LOVE: 47 by GEORGE MEREDITH THE LAMPLIGHTER by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON TO MY FRIENDS, WHO RIDICULED A TENDER LEAVE-TAKING by MATTHEW ARNOLD RETREATS by CARRIE ADAMS BERRY THE NEW WORLD; TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES by LAURENCE BINYON |