The time I 've lost in wooing

• The time I 've lost in wooing,
• In watching and pursuing
• The light, that lies
• In woman's eyes,
• Has been my heart's undoing.
• Though Wisdom oft has sought me,
• I scorn'd the lore she brought me,
• My only books
• Were woman's looks,
• And folly's all they 've taught me.
• Her smile when Beauty granted,
• I hung with gaze enchanted,
• Like him, the sprite,
• Whom maids by night
• Oft meet in glen that 's haunted.
• Like him, too, Beauty won me,
• But while her eyes were on me,
• If once their ray
• Was turn'd away,
• Oh! winds could not outrun me.
• And are those follies going?
• And is my proud heart growing
• Too cold or wise
• For brilliant eyes
• Again to set it glowing?
• No, vain, alas! th' endeavour
• From bonds so sweet so sever;
• Poor Wisdom's chance
• Against a glance
• Is now as weak as ever.