The time I've lost in wooing,

              In watching and pursuing

              The light, that lies

              In woman's eyes,

              Has been my heart's undoing.

              Though Wisdom oft has sought me,

              I scorn'd the lore she brought me,

              My only books

              Were woman's looks,

              And folly's all they've taught me.

             Her smile when Beauty granted,

             I hung with gaze enchanted,

             Like him, the sprite,

             Whom maids by night

             Oft meet in glen that's haunted.

             Like him, too, Beauty won me,

             But while her eyes were on me,

             If once their ray

             Was turn'd away,

             Oh! winds could not outrun me.

            And are those follies going?

            And is my proud heart growing

            Too cold or wise

            For brilliant eyes

            Again to set it glowing?

            No, vain, alas! th' endeavour

            From bonds so sweet to sever;

            Poor Wisdom's chance

            Against a glance

            Is now as weak as ever.