'Twas a new feeling—something more

Than we had dared to own before.

  Which then we hid not;

We saw it in each other's eye,

And wished, in every half-breathed sigh,

  To speak, but did not.

She felt my lips' impassioned touch—

'Twas the first time I dared so much,

  And yet she chid not;

But whispered o'er my burning brow,

"Oh! do you doubt I love you now?"

  Sweet soul! I did not.

Warmly I felt her bosom thrill,

I prest it closer, closer still,

  Though gently bid not;

Till—oh! the world hath seldom heard

Of lovers, who so nearly erred,

  And yet, who did not.