WE played at chess one wintry night Beside the fire, that warm and bright Was mirrored in her hazel eyes; Methought a gleam from Paradise Outshone the back-log's flickering light. The hand that took my queen was white, I trembled at its gentle might; Nor sweeter game could Love devise -- We played at chess. I scarce could see to play aright, I took a pawn and lost a knight, And then she gazed with mild surprise -- She said I was not shrewd nor wise; And yet, to me, with strange delight We played at chess. |