I SENT a ring--a little band <br /> Of emerald and ruby stone, <br />And bade it, sparkling on thy hand, <br /> Tell thee sweet tales of one <br /> Whose constant memory <br /> Was full of loveliness, and thee. <br /> <br />A shell was graven on its gold,-- <br /> 'Twas Cupid fix'd without his wings-- <br />To Helene once it would have told <br /> More than was ever told by rings: <br /> But now all 's past and gone, <br /> Her love is buried with that stone. <br /> <br />Thou shalt not see the tears that start <br /> From eyes by thoughts like these beguiled; <br />Thou shalt not know the beating heart, <br /> Ever a victim and a child: <br /> Yet Helene, love, believe <br /> The heart that never could deceive. <br /> <br />I'll hear thy voice of melody <br /> In the sweet whispers of the air; <br />I'll see the brightness of thine eye <br /> In the blue evening's dewy star; <br /> In crystal streams thy purity; <br /> And look on Heaven to look on thee.<br /><br />George Darley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-helene-on-a-gift-ring-carelessly-lost/
