Maniac’s Song

I CAN but smile when others weep, I can but weep when others smile; O! let me in this bosom keep The secret of my heart awhile. My form was fair, my step was light, As ever tripped the dance along; My cheek was smooth, my eye was bright— My thought was wild, my heart was young. And he I loved would laugh with glee, And every heart but mine was glad; He had a smile for all but me; O! he was gay, and I was sad! Now, I have lost my blooming health, And joy, and hope, no more abide; And wildering fancies come by stealth, Like moonlight on a shifting tide. They say he wept, when he was told That I was sad and sorrowful; That on my wrist the chain was cold — That at my heart the blood was dull. They fear I'm crazed — they need not fear, For smiles are false, and tears are true; I better love to see a tear, Than all the smiles I ever knew.