I do not love Thee 

I do not love thee! --- no! I do not love thee!

and yet when thou art absent I am sad,

and envy even the bright blue sky above thee,

whose quiet stars may see thee and be glad.

I do not love thee! --- yet, I know not why,

whate' er thou dost seems still well done, to me.

and often in my solitude I sigh

that those I do love are not more like thee!

I do not love thee! --- yet, when thou art gone,

I hate the sound (though those who speak be dear)

which breaks the lingering echo of the tone,

thy voice of music leaves upon my ear.

I do not love thee! --- yet thy speaking eyes,

with their deep, bright, and most expressive blue,

between me and the midnight heaven arise,

oftener than any eyes I ever knew.

I know I do not love thee! yet, alas!

others will scarcely trust my candid heart,

and oft I catch them smiling as they pass,

because they see me gazing where thou art.