The Snow White Dove. A Fragment. Poem by Samuel Bamford

Oh, why should love, unearthly love,
Like mine remain untold,
And why should unavailing love
Be kept like hidden gold.
And why should fond and sinless love
E'er feel the blush of shame,
Or the story of my snow white dove
Descend without a name.

Come, peerless maid amongst the maids!
To thee I now will tell
The tale which hath been kept too long,
And erst was kept too well;
The story of my early love,
Which haunts me now I'm old,
And broods within my very heart,
Although 'tis well-nigh cold.

Come, peerless maid, for thou art like
The one so early lost,
I'll tell it thee, and mayest thou
In love be never cross'd.
I know thy pure and gentle heart
My lay will not deride,
But rather would bestow a tear
Whilst listening at my side.