We were as if new-born — so brightly-dyed
On us the light of love's soft morning beamed.
How, Laura! glowed thy lips! thy features gleamed!
How flashed thine eyes! how swelled thy heart's full tide!
Me, too, what founts of love revivified!
With higher thoughts my restless bosom teemed,
So that my wonted sleep I needless deemed;
A briefer waking dream its place supplied.
Yes, love is higher life in common things;
Such were the tokens of its living fires
Which now I seek, in thee or me, in vain;
Laura! for thee and me my sorrow springs,
We both are proofs how faded love expires;
The death of loveless life our love hath slain.