SONNET:
Reading edition
ON BEING ASKED MY OPINION UPON THE MATTER TO WHICH IT REFERS.
Should'st thou find in thy travels a maid that is free, And content to love nought in the wide world but thee; With a face that is gentle—be 't dark or be 't fair; And a brow that ne'er ceases good-temper to wear; With a soul like a rosebud that's not yet unfurled— All strange to the tricks and the ways of the world; And a mind that would blush at its fanciful roam, Should it dream there are spheres more delightful than home, With a love that would love thee alone for thy sake In bonds which adversity never could break. Should'st thou find such a treasure—then unlock thy heart, And place the bright gem in its innermost part; Watch over it tenderly—love it with pride; And gratefully crown it thy heaven-sent bride.