I Love Thee

I loved thee; and perchance until this moment Within my breast is smouldering still the fire! Yet I would spare thy pain the least renewal, Nothing shall rouse again the old desire! I loved thee with a silent desperation-- Now timid, now with jealousy brought low, I loved devoutly,--with such deep devotion-- Ah may God grant another love thee so! Another Translation: I loved you once: perhaps that love has yet To die down thoroughly within my soul; But let it not dismay you any longer; I have no wish to cause you any sorrow. I loved you wordlessly, without a hope, By shyness tortured, or by jealousy. I loved you with such tenderness and candor And pray God grants you to be loved that way again.