I Loved You, Once

And did you think my heart     Could keep its love unchanging,     Fresh as the buds that start     In spring, nor know estranging?     Listen! The buds depart:     I loved you once, but now -     I love you more than ever.     'T is not the early love;     With day and night it alters,     And onward still must move     Like earth, that never falters     For storm or star above.     I loved you once; but now -     I love you more than ever.     With gifts in those glad days     How eagerly I sought you!     Youth, shining hope, and praise:     These were the gifts I brought you.     In this world little stays:     I loved you once, but now -     I love you more than ever.     A child with glorious eyes     Here in our arms half sleeping -     So passion wakeful lies;     Then grows to manhood, keeping     Its wistful, young surprise:     I loved you once, but now -     I love you more than ever.     When age's pinching air     Strips summer's rich possession,     And leaves the branches bare,     My secret in confession     Still thus with you I'll share:     I loved you once, but now -     I love you more than ever.