I love you - I love you, e'en as I br Rage at myself for this obsession, br And as I make my shamed confession, br Despairing at your feet I lie. br I know, I know - It ill becomes me, br I am too old, time to be wise ... br But how? ... This love - it overcomes me, br A sickness this in passion's guise. br When you are near I'm filled with sadness, br When far, I yawn, for life's a bore. br I must pour out this love, this madness, br There's nothing that I long for more! br When your shirts rustle, when, my angel, br Your girlish voice I hear, when your br Light step sounds in the parlour - strangely, br I turn confused, perturbed, unsure. br Your frown - and I'm in pain, I languish; br You smile - and joy defeats distress; br My one reward for a day's anguish br Comes when your, pale hand, love, I kiss. br When you sit, bent over your sewing, br Your eyes cast down and fine curls blowing. br About your face, with tenderness br I like childlike watch, my heart o'erflowing br With love, in my gaze a caress.