FIRST LOVE

by: Washington Allston (1779-1843)

h me! how hard the task to bear

The weight of ills we know!

But harder still to dry the tear,

That mourns a nameless wo.




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 holyday

I lead the dance along,

If Lucy chance to cross my way,

So sure she leads me wrong.




If I attempt to pipe to play,

And catch my Lucy's eye,

The trembling music 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.

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