GEORGE DARLEY

��641. To Helene

On a Gift-ring carelessly lost

T SENT a ringa 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 shell was graven on its gold,

'Twas Cupid fix'd without his wings To Helene 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 these beguiled; Thou shalt not know the beating heart, Ever a victim and a child : Yet Helene, 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.

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