Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HOW SHALL I WOO THEE? by CATHERINE H. ESLING

First Line: HOW SHALL I WOO THEE, TELL ME HOW
Last Line: AND WORSHIP AT THY SHRINE.
Subject(s): COURTSHIP;

How shall I woo thee, tell me how,
With looks and words of gladness?
Then gaze not on my pale, pale brow,
Nor note my tones of sadness.

How shall I woo thee? with a smile
That speaks the bosom clear?
Look not upon mine eyes the while,
Nor mark the starting tear.

How shall I woo thee? with the bright
And blessed words of joy?
Drive from my heart its long, long night,
Its early life's alloy.

How shall I woo thee, tell me how?
Will sorrow make thee mine?
Can the sad heart I bring thee now
Find favour at thy shrine?

How shall I woo thee? with a gleam
That glistens but to die,
Fleet as the summer's moonlight beam
Upon an evening sky?

How shall I woo thee? as the night
Woos with its silver dew
The faithless flowers, that burst to light,
Beneath the sun's bright hue?

How shall I woo thee, tell me how?
If thou hast aught of care
To dim the glory of thy brow,
Let me thy sadness share.

How shall I woo thee? with a stram
Like that of other times?
And seek thro' memory's caves again,
Hope's sweet delusive chimes.

How shall I woo thee, tell me how?
Can sorrow make thee mine?
For a sad heart hath come to bow,
And worship at thy shrine.



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