TO FANNY H***.
Reading edition
TO FANNY H***.
———
BY MRS. SEBA SMITH.
———
Careless maiden, careless smiling,
Tossing back thy raven hair,
Guileless thou, though all beguiling,
Scarcely conscious thou art fair.
Playful words with music ringing
Lightly falling from thy tongue—
Snatches of old minstrels singing,
Telling that thy heart is young—
Flashing now thy radiant eyes
Liquid with the light of youth,
Stealing gladness from the skies
Only known to souls of truth—
Maiden, on thy heart hereafter
Will a holier spell be wrought,
That shall mellow down thy laughter,
Deepen every inmost thought.
Then thine eye shall droop in sadness,
Shielding thus the fount within—
Hope, now speaking in its gladness,
Then shall be to rear akin.
And a spell shall be around thee—
Love thy spirit shall control—
Yet rejoice when it hath bound thee—
Love creates for thee a Soul.