The Poetry Corner

She Loved Him.

By George Pope Morris

She loved him--but she heeded not-- Her heart had only room for pride: All other feelings were forgot, When she became another's bride. As from a dream she then awoke, To realize her lonely state, And own it was the vow she broke That made her drear and desolate! She loved him--but the sland'rer came, With words of hate that all believed; A stain thus rested on his name-- But he was wronged and she deceived; Ah! rash the act that gave her hand, That drove her lover from her side-- Who hied him to a distant land, Where, battling for a name, he died! She loved him--and his memory now Was treasured from the world apart: The calm of thought was on her brow, The seeds of death were in her heart. For all the world that thing forlorn I would not, could not be, and live-- That casket with its jewel gone, A bride who has no heart to give!