Just to _remember_ the day and the hour
When, by spring breezes caressingly blown,
Delicate fragrance of violet flower
First touch'd my senses, becoming my own!




And what can it be--oh, what can it be,
That has garnish'd earth with a golden grace?
What is this something that entering me
Changes my life in a minute of space?

When I first notic'd the power in his eyes--
Watching to see if they praise or condemn,
Blushing to meet them--came into the skies
Beauty that never has vanish'd from them.

When I first stopp'd in the midst of my mirth,
While my heart beat in a tremulous way
Only to see him,--came over the earth,
Glory that earth has retain'd to this day.

When the first whisper assaulted my ear,
When the first pressure astonish'd my hand,
When I first fancied that _I_ might be dear--
Life was a miracle joyous and grand.

When he first woo'd me with prayers, for his own,
Suddenly came an eclipse of the light: