What line of mine did waken to the mind

A gentle thought where fondness might soon dwell

To so ignite a placid heart in rhyme

That it persuade flushed lips of love to tell?

Perhaps a simple chord sparked thoughts of me,

A murmured tune which fanned a gentle flame

That gave forth light whereby your soul might see

A common face now blazed by flare of fame.

I do confess my words were pure design

To fletch of Cupid’s shaft unerring flight

There striking fire within that heart sublime

That it might ever glow in ardor’s light.

And yes—in sweetest hope I did conspire

To guide in verse that bolt of pure desire.