River And Sea

We stood by the river that swept
In its glory and grandeur away;
But never a pulse o' me leapt,
And you wondered at me that day.


We stood by the lake as it lay
With its dimpled face turned to the light;
Was it strange I had nothing to say
To so fair and enchanting a sight?


I look on your tresses of gold--
You are fair and a thing to be loved--
Do you think I am heartless and cold
That I look and am wholly unmoved?


One answer, dear friend, I will make
To the questions your eyes ask of me:
'Talk not of the river or lake
To those who have looked on the sea.'