Take Back Thy Ring

Take back thy ring!--for I have learn'd To hear thy name with hopeless heart, And oft, with sick'ning soul, have turn'd From what thou wert,--to what thou art! I will not wear a pledge from one Whose love is mock'ry like to thine; I'd rather live uncheer'd, and lone, As flowers, o'er which no sun-rays shine! I know that thou wilt falsely say, I shrink before misfortune's night; That I can coldly turn away, And leave thee to its withering blight. Thou wilt believe it not!--too well Past years of deep devotedness, The fonder--truer--tale will tell Of my soul's changeless tenderness-- And aught but this I could have borne-- To know thee vile Dishonour's slave; The finger-mark of shame and scorn, Th' oppressor of the pure, and brave. But never shall my fate be twin'd With that of one, whose fame is blasted; Whose word is as the idle wind; Whose days in servile guilt are wasted !