Washington Allston

First Love

       A Ballad.

Ah me! how hard the task to bear
  The weight of ills we know!
But harder still to dry the tear,
  That mourns a nameless we.

If by the side of Lucy's wheel
  I sit to see her spin,
My head around begins to reel,
  My heart to beat within.

Or when on harvest holliday
  I lead the dance along,
If Lucy chance to cross my way,
  So sure she leads me wrong,

If I attempt the pipe to play,
  And catch my Lucy's eye,
The trembling musick dies away,
  And melts into a sigh.

Where'er I go, where'er I turn,
  If Lucy there be found,
I seem to shiver, yet I burn,
  My head goes swimming round.

I cannot bear to see her smile,
  Unless she smile on me;
And if she frown, I sigh the while,
  But know not whence it be.

Ah, what have I to Lucy done
  To cause me so much stir?
From rising to the setting sun
  I sigh, and think of her.

In vain I strive to join the throng
  In social mirth and ease;
Now lonely woods I stray among,
  For only woods can please.

Ah, me! this restless heart I fear
  Will never be at rest,
'Till Lucy cease to live, or tear
  Her image from my breast.