Still to be near thee and to hear thee speak,
To gaze into the depths of thy dark eyes,—
This is the only happiness I seek,
This is the only boon on earth I prize.
Bright thoughts like bubbles in a fountain rise
When I am near thee, and all thoughts of care
Are banished from my heart, as in the air
Fade the light clouds of morning: sorrow dies
Whene'er I press thy hand, and I fall heir
To such a wealth of joy when on my ear
Thy sweet voice falls, I were content to die
If in my parting moments I might hear
The music of its tones so soft and rare,
And look my last upon thy loving eye.