Take Those Pledges Back

Take back those pledges, dearest maid, Which once I warmly gave, For then I dreamed I would be free, And nevermore thy slave. Yes! take them back once more, for love Hath made me only thine; And I should give these gems away, Whose heart's no longer mine.

'Tis said the heart can often love, But that can never be; Though I have bow'd at other shrines, I never loved but thee. I feel that thou art dearer far Than aught this world can give, And come what may, come grief or joy, For only thee I live.

Yes! take those pledges back, dear maid, And let them fondly speak, The deathless flame that will not fail, In spring, or winter bleak: For they have told an honest tale, That I shall change no more, Till I shall clasp thy form again On Heaven's eternal shore.