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I watched thee when the foe was at our side - Ready to strike at him, -or thee and me- Were safety hopeless -rather than divide Aught with one loved -save love and liberty.
I watched thee in the breakers -when the rock Received our prow -and all was storm and fear And bade thee cling to me through every shock - This arm would be thy bark - or breast thy bier.
I watched thee when the fever glazed thine eyes - Yielding my couch - and stretched me on the ground - When overworn with watching - ne'er to rise From thence - if thou an early grave hadst found.
The Earthquake came and rocked the quivering wall - And men and Nature reeled as if with wine - Whom did I seek around the tottering Hall - For thee - whose safety first provide for - thine.
And when convulsive throes denied my breath The faintest utterance to my fading thought - To thee -to thee - even in the grasp of death My spirit turned - Ah! oftener than it ought.
Thus much and more - and yet thou lov'st me not, And never wilt - Love dwells not in our will - Nor can I blame thee - though it be my lot To strongly - wrongly -vainly - love thee still.