I Loved Thee

I loved thee; and perchance until this

Within my breast is smouldering still the fire!

Yet I would spare thy pain the least renewal,

Nothing shall rouse again the old desire!

I loved thee with a silent desperation--Now timid, now with jealousy brought low,

I loved devoutly,--with such deep devotion--Ah may God grant another love thee so!

Another Translation:

I loved you once: perhaps that love has

To die down thoroughly within my soul;

But let it not dismay you any longer;

I have no wish to cause you any sorrow.

I loved you wordlessly, without a hope,

By shyness tortured, or by jealousy.

I loved you with such tenderness and

And pray God grants you to be loved that way again.