If he had known—known what a soul he has wounded!
O heart, if thy tears had been seen but to flow,
Or if thou at his step less wildly hadst bounded,
And guarded the power thy deep feeling to show,
He could not—he could not, so lightly have altered,
Proud to nourish a hope now hurled from its throne,
By a love so profound, he touched, must have faltered,
If he had known.
If he had known what might be hoped and awaited
From a heart in its candour, deception above;
For mine he had longed, with a joy unabated,
And as he inspired, would have felt also love.
Mine eyes bent down ever, concealed my emotion,
Guessed he nothing from that? Was't shyness alone?
A secret like mine was worth search and devotion,
If he had known.
If I had known—I—of the empire he wielded
Over hearts that lived in the light of his eyes,
As one breathes a pure air, unconscious, unshielded,
My steps would have sought other countries and skies.
It's too late to talk of love-sign or love-token!
My life was a hope, but the hope now has flown!
Wilt thou say when thou know'st?—Oh, heart I have broken,
If I had known!’