1. To [Violet Vane]

I would not lord it o’er thy heart,

Alas! I cannot rule my own,

Nor would I rob one loyal thought,

From him who there should reign alone;

We both have found a life-long love;

Wherein our weary souls may rest,

Yet may we not, my gentle friend

Be each to each the second best?

 

A love which shall be passion-free,

Fondness as pure as it is sweet,

A bond where all the dearest ties

Of brother, friend and cousin meet, —

Such is the union I would frame,

That thus we might be doubly blest,

With Love to rule our hearts supreme

And Friendship to be second best.