LAURUSTINUS .

While you cherish me, dearest, " through-good and through ill, "
Life's summer I'll bless, and its winter defy!
'Mid sunshine and tempest, I'll smile on thee still;
But oh! if you ever neglect me, I die!

While you watch o'er Love's glowing but delicate flowers,
Every glance of affection — each soul-winged sigh —
All the bloom of my cheek and my heart — shall be yours;
But oh! if you leave me — you leave me to die!