In Imitation of An Old English Poem <br /> <br /> <br />My wayward fate I needs must plain, <br />Though bootless be the theme; <br />I loved, and was beloved again, <br />Yet all was but a dream: <br />For, a her love was quickly got, <br />So it was quickly gone; <br />No more I'll bask in flame so hot, <br />But coldly dwell alone. <br /> <br />Not maid more bright than maid was e'er <br />My fancy shall beguile, <br />By flattering word, or feigned tear, <br />By gesture, look, or smile: <br />No more I'll call the shaft fair shot, <br />Till it has fairly flown, <br />Nor scorch me at a flame so hot;- <br />I'll rather freeze alone. <br /> <br />Each ambush'd Cupid I'll defy, <br />In cheek, or chin, or brow, <br />And deem the glance of woman's eye <br />As weak as woman's vow: <br />I'll lightly hold the lady's heart, <br />That is but lightly won; <br />I'll steel my breast to beauty's art, <br />And learn to live alone. <br /> <br />The flaunting torch soon blazes out, <br />The diamond's ray abides; <br />The flame its glory hurls about, <br />The gem its lustre hides; <br />Such gem I fondly deem'd was mine, <br />And glow'd a diamond stone, <br />But, since each eye may see it shine, <br />I'll darkling dwell alone. <br /> <br />No waking dream shall tinge my thought <br />With dyes so bright and vain. <br />No silken net, so slightly wrought, <br />Shall tangle me again: <br />No more I'll pay so dear for wit, <br />I'll live upon mine own, <br />Nor shall wild passion trouble it,- <br />I'll rather dwell alone. <br /> <br />And thus I'll hush my heart to rest,- <br />'Thy loving labour's lost; <br />Thou shalt no more be wildly blest, <br />To be so strangely crost; <br />The widow'd turtles mateless die, <br />The phoenix is but one; <br />They seek no loves -no more will I- <br />I'll rather dwell alone.'<br /><br />Sir Walter Scott<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-resolve-2/
