ANTICIPATED
Reading edition
Oh I have wealth, and could have placed Upon your head a golden crown, But Nature, having had my taste, And being first, has set one down. I could have given you rubies rare, And sapphires of a heavenly hue, And pearls all shimmering soft and fair; But here she’s been before me too. For ruby lips to you she’s given, And strung two pearly rows between, And sapphire eyes more blue than heaven She’s dowered you with, my queen, my queen! I needs must be content to lay My heart’s best treasures at your feet: Without love’s gem, which shines for aye, The fairest crown were incomplete.