I knew that "wondrous Classic lore"
Meant something most pedantic;
That Mathematics were a bore,
And Morals un-romantic.
I knew my own beloved light-blue
Might much improve their rowing:
In fact, I knew a thing or two
Decidedly worth knowing.

But thou!--Fool, fool, I thought that thou
At least wert something glorious;
I saw thy polished ivory brow,
And could not feel censorious.
I thought I saw thee smile--but that
Was all imagination;
Upon the garden seat I sat,
And gazed in adoration.

I plucked a newly-budding rose,
Our lips then met together;
We spoke not--but a lover knows
How lips two lives can tether.
We parted! I believed thee true;
I asked for no love-token;
But now thy form no more I view--
My Pipe, my Pipe, thou'rt broken!

Broken!--and when the Sun's warm rays
Illumine hill and heather,
I think of all the pleasant days