Quamquam O — Poem by Maria Frances Cecilia Cowper

With all my heart, with all my soul,
With all my strength I love thee, dear ;
Thou art my life, my light, my goal,
My Heaven and Hell, my hope and fear.

I would not that the lightest breath
Of harsh suspicion on thee blow.
And I would gladly welcome death
Could I but make thee happier so.

There is no comfort in my heart,
No happiness for us can be.
The Fates have set our paths apart — -
A lonely path for thee and me !

Yet sometimes I may see thy face,
May press thy hand, and know thee true ;
Then silently my steps retrace
To commune with despair anew.