BECAUSE my heart dwelt not like cloistered nun In lonely cell unquiet silence keeping, Because it went forth 'neath Hope's blessed sun, And freely shared another's joy and weeping, Thou hast mistaken me. Because my sympathy awoke from sleep, And frankly did unclose affection's portal To thoughts of tenderness as pure, as deep, As ever proved the human soul immortal, Thou hast mistaken me. Because thy feebler spirit, lacking power, By generous thought such priceless love to measure, Awoke its base distrust in that sweet hour When my fond heart revealed its hidden treasure, Thou hast mistaken me. |