Lady Wolf's Fantasy

Which I gaze on so fondly today

Were to change by tomorrow and fleet in my arms

Like fairy gifts fading away.

Thou wouldst still be adored as this moment thou art

Let thy loveliness fade as it will

And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart

Would entwine itself verdantly still.

It is not while beauty and youth are thine own

And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear

That the fervor and faith of a soul can be known

To which time will but make thee more dear.

No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets

But as truly loves on to the close

As the sunflower turns to her God when he sets

The same look which she turned when she rose.

Thomas Moore (Irish Melodies)