613

When did my heart begin to learn of love?

This pupil poor had paid a pretty pence

for empty kisses counterfeited proved

a hearty fool at foolish heart's expense.

The smoky veil of false love's guiling feint

that muffles sight and strangles logic's ears

enough to guise a devil as a saint,

whose honeyed lies bred naught but bitter tears.

But one swift cut to sever false heartstrings

and one sweet smile to turn a downcast face,

my heart of darkness learned again to sing

by true love's steadfast trust and gentle grace

Through her loving instruction learned I best

For she, in love, surpasses all the rest.