Landon in The Literary Gazette 1825/Song 2

by Letitia Elizabeth Landon

For works with similar titles, see Song (Letitia Elizabeth Landon).

I knew I Loved in vain.

I knew I lov'd in vain;
    It was all the same to me;
I never had a thought
    Of being lov'd by thee.

I—so light, so vain,
    Grew humble in thy sight;
’Twas as if before thy star
    Mine quail'd, and lost its light.

I—who had said my heart
    Was too high for aught to win,
Felt it tremble before thee,
    For the traitor was within.

And all my pride was chang'd
    To meek and gentle thought;
There was no sight or sound,
    But somewhat of thee brought.

Yet still I am too proud;
    And my spirit is too high
For this weak tenderness;—
    If I must love, I die. ⁠L. E. L.