I never felt so vile before--
So humbled in mine eyes;
I wondered what you saw to love:
I thought you must despise.
For I was gay, and you were grave,
And I was vain and proud:
You loved the meadow and the grove,
And I the laughing crowd.

I told you frankly of my faults,
You would not hear me through;
You said you were an erring man,
And earthly angels few.
But would I show my better side?
And would I deign to bless?
You held my hand--what _could_ I do?
And so I answered, "Yes."

Do I regret it? Nay, my love,
For were I free as then
The man I chose I still would choose
Before all other men.
And I would say, For life or death,
For happiness or woe,
Where'er you dwell there I will dwell,
Where'er you go, I go.

That was a day, and that a walk
To be remembered long: