Disclaimer: These poems are used without the permission of the poets, mostly because they've been dead for years, and because I have no idea who owns the rights to them these days. NO INFRINGEMENT IS INTENDED!!!! I have posted them only so that everyone who comes here will be able to enjoy the rich texture and beauty of poetry and culture. Please don't sue me. I can barely afford college as it is and it's only my freshman year.
One shade the more, one ray the less. And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
She walks in beauty, like the night
of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face,
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling place.
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that gow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
My true love hath my heart, and I have his,
By just exchange, one for the other given.
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss,
There never was a better bargain driven.
His heart in him keeps his thoughts and senses guide;
He loves my heart, for once it was his own,
I cherish his, because in me it bides.
His heart his wound received from my sight,
My heart was wounded with his wounded heart;
For as from me on him his hurt did light
So still methought in me his hurt did smart
Both equal hurt, in this change sought our bliss:
My true love hath my heart and I have his.