TO MARY.IF, Mary, that imperious face,And not in dreams alone,Come to this shadow-haunted placeAnd claim dominion;If, for your sake, I do unqueenSome well-remembered ghost,Forgetting much of what hath beenBest loved, remembered most;It is your witchery, not my will,Your beauty, not my choice:My shadows knew me faithful, tillThey heard your living voice.
IF, Mary, that imperious face,And not in dreams alone,Come to this shadow-haunted placeAnd claim dominion;
If, for your sake, I do unqueenSome well-remembered ghost,Forgetting much of what hath beenBest loved, remembered most;
It is your witchery, not my will,Your beauty, not my choice:My shadows knew me faithful, tillThey heard your living voice.