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