"Laura Lee"

Laura Lee
— —
When life was in its morning
 With raptures running wild
And with each day's returning
 A new born spring time smiled
I saw thee gay and youthful
 Adorned in artless glee
I knew thy heart was truthful
 And loved thee Laura Lee

Alas! that calls of duty
 Should rend our souls apart
And rifle of its beauty
 Thy once confiding heart!
While on thy words I ponder
 They breathe no charm for me
Their bloom of youthful candor
 Hath faded, Laura Lee.

Yet though thy lips may grieve me
 I'll turn unto thy smile
And if that smile deceive me
 Thine eyes may know no guile
 lightest
Thus while in [?]token
 Thine early truth I see
The spell remains unbroken
 I love thee Laura Lee.