WHY DO I LOVE THEE?

'Tis not because thou art so fair,

So beautiful unto the sight;

'Tis not because thy silken hair

Curls o'er a neck of spotless white;

'Tis not because thy speaking eye

Claims kindred with the deep blue sky,

Alone I love thee!

No! 'tis because around thee gleams

The light of innocence and truth,

Adorning with its radiant beams,

And pure reflex the charms of youth;

Because thine every word and thought

With thy soul's gentleness is fraught,

Therefore I love thee!

Eidolon; or, The Course of a Soul; and Other Poems · 第 154 / 176 题