I SENT a ring, a little band
Of emerald and ruby stone,
And bade it, sparkling on thy hand,
Tell thee sweet tales of one
Whose constant memory
Was full of loveliness and thee.

A spell was graven on its gold,
'Twas Cupid fixed without his wings,
To Helen once it would have told
More than was ever told by rings,
But now all's past and gone,
Her love is buried with that stone.

Thou shalt not see the tears that start
From eyes by thoughts like those beguiled,
Thou shalt not know the beating heart,
Ever a victim and a child,
Yes, Helen, love, believe
The heart that never could deceive.

I'll hear thy voice of melody
In the sweet whispers of the air,
I'll see the brightness of thine eye
In the blue evening's dewy star,
In crystal streams thy purity,
And look on Heaven to look on thee.