THE EMERALD RING.

A SUPERSTITION.

IT is a gem which hath the power to show

If plighted lovers keep their faith, or no:

If faithful, it is like the leaves of spring;

If faithless, like those leaves when withering.

Take back your emerald gem,

There is no colour in the stone;

It might have graced a diadem,

But now its hue and light are gone!

Take back your gift, and give me mine--

The kiss that sealed our last love-vow;

Ah, other lips have been on thine,--

My kiss is lost and sullied now!

The gem is pale, the kiss forgot,

And, more than either, you are changed;

But my true love has altered not,

My heart is broken--not estranged!