Thy Presence

If I could see thee, darling,

     This dreamy summer eve;

I’d ask no other presence,

     My sadness to relieve.

I’d ask no other sunshine,

     Upon my face to play;

Than that sweet smile thou givest,

     But thou art far away.

If I could her thee, darling,

     Thy merry laugh and song,

I’d ask no other music

     The whole sweet summer long.

I’d ask no gifted thrushes,

     To trill a tuneful lay;

Thy song would be far sweeter,

     But thou art far away.

If I could feel thee, darling,

     Thy little hand in mine;

Thy head upon my bosom,

     My heart in tune with thine;

I’d ask no other pleasures,

     Thy lips would hold me prey;

But ah! vain is my writing,

     For thou art far away.

Tho’ miles stretch out between u,

     I fancy thou art near;

And now since I’ve been dreaming,

     Thy fair face grows more clear;

And, as the darkness lower,

     Beneath the clinging vine,

I seem to feel thy presence,

     And love grows more divine.

Feb. 11, 1895