Explore "The Lovers" by C.J. Dennis on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
One idle hour she sought to see / Whose image 'twas he cherished so / (All fondly certain whose 'twould be), / And found -- a girl she did not know.
A trusty maiden's modest face, / All innocence and purity. / "What nun is this that fills my place? / Alas, he loves me not! " sighed she.
"Nay, daughter, let no foolish fears / Your trust in his devotion mar," / Her mother said. "Come, dry your tears; / That is the girl he thinks you are."
All fondly curious with love / (Half guessing what he would lay bare) / He rifled her heart's treasure trove, / And found -- a stranger's image there.
"This is the man she loves! " said he, / And, searching in the noble face, / Read high resolve and constancy. / "This saint," he cried, "usurps my place!"
"Nay," spake his friend. "Your anger cool; / Gaze on that God-like face once more: / Then be satisfied, O fool; / That is the man she takes you for. "