THE SHADE OF SADNESS.

BY W. L. BOWLES.

I.

WHEN in those eyes of tenderest light A sadness, as of love, I see,

I sometimes think when I am sad,

They look with kindness upon me.

II.

O gentlest maiden! dost thou grieve For pleasant seasons past and gone; And love to trace in others' looks

A SHADE OF SADNESS like thy own?

III.

Perhaps on some unthankful heart,

For all thy hopes thou didst depend;

And now dost fondly turn to mark,

The look but of a pitying friend.

IV.

Distrust me not-by hopes most dear

I swear, and God my witness be,

This heart which wants a friend itself,

Should bleed to purchase peace for thee.

V.

When care sat dimly on thy brow,

Its secret cause I would not seek,'

But kiss perhaps a falling tear,

And press thy hand, and never speak.

VI.

E'en now I inly pray that soon

Thy heart may ev'ry bliss attain;

But mine, alas, which pitied thec,

I fear will never rest again.