The time I've lost in wooing, <br />In watching and pursuing <br />The light that lies <br />In woman's eyes, <br />Has been my heart's undoing. <br />Tho' Wisdom oft has sought me, <br />I scorn'd the lore she brought me, <br />My only books <br />Were women's looks, <br />And folly's all they taught me. <br /> <br />Her smile when Beauty granted, <br />I hung with gaze enchanted, <br />Like him the Sprite <br />Whom maids by night <br />Oft meet in glen that's haunted. <br />Like him, too, Beauty won me; <br />But when the spell was on me, <br />If once their ray <br />Was turn'd away, <br />O! winds could not outrun me. <br /> <br />And are those follies going? <br />And is my proud heart growing <br />Too cold or wise <br />For brillant eyes <br />Again to set it glowing? <br />No -- vain, alas! th' endeavour <br />From bonds so sweet to sever: -- <br />Poor Wisdom's chance <br />Against a glance <br />Is now as weak as ever.<br /><br />Thomas Moore<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-time-i-ve-lost/
