Oh Listen While I Sing to Thee

My song is meant for thee alone;
My thought imparts its melody,
And gives the soft impassioned tone.

I sing of joy, and see thy smile
That to the swelling note replies;
I sing of love, and feel the while
The gaze of thy love-beaming eyes.

If thou wert far, my voice would die
In murmurs faint and sorrowing;
If thou wert fake—in agony
My heart would break, I could not sing.

Then listen while I sing to thee,
My song is meant for thee alone;
And now that thou art near to me
I pour a full impassioned tone.

12 March 1838.