‘ Tis not because thou art so fair,
So beautiful unto the sight;
‘ Tis not because thy silken hair
Curls o'er a neck of spotless white;
‘ Tis not because thy speaking eye
Claims kindred with the deep blue sky,
Alone I love thee!
No!‘ tis because around thee gleams
The light of innocence and truth,
Adorning with its radiant beams,
And pure reflex the charms of youth;
Because thine every word and thought
With thy soul's gentleness is fraught,
Therefore I love thee!