More powerful within my heart.
  Than what I feel for thee.

Didst thou, thyself, once feel such love
  So strong within the mind,
That for its sake thou wert content
  To leave all else behind?

And yet I do not love thee less—
  I even love thee more;
I ask thy blessing, ere I go
  Far from my native shore!

How often shall I think of thee.
  In many a future scene!
How can affection ever be
  To me, what thine has been.

How many words, scarce noticed now,
  Will rise upon my heart,
Touch'd with a deeper tenderness,
  When we are far apart!

I do not say, forget me not,
  For thou will not forget;
Nor do I say, regret me not,
  I know thou wilt regret.

And bitterly shall I regret
  The friend I leave behind,
I shall not find another friend
  So careful and so kind.

I met thee when my childish thoughts
  Were fresh from chilhood's hours,
That pleasant April time of life,
  Half fancies and half flowers.

Since then how many a change and shade
  In life's web have been wrought!
Change has in every feeling been,
  And change in every thought

But there has been no change in thee,
  Since to thy feet I came,
In joy or sorrow's confidence,
  And still thou wert the same.