A Song by Helen Maria Williams

A Song 

by Helen Maria Williams

                         I

No riches from his scanty store

   My lover could impart;

He gave a boon I valued more —

   He gave me all his heart!

                         II

His soul sincere, his generous worth,

   Might well this bosom move;

And when I asked for bliss on earth,

   I only meant his love.

                         III

But now for me, in search of gain

   From shore to shore he flies;

Why wander riches to obtain,

   When love is all I prize?

                         IV

The frugal meal, the lowly cot

   If blest my love with thee!

That simple fare, that humble lot,

   Were more than wealth to me.

                         V

While he the dangerous ocean braves,

   My tears but vainly flow:

Is pity in the faithless waves

   To which I pour my woe?

                         VI

The night is dark, the waters deep,

   Yet soft the billows roll;

Alas! at every breeze I weep —

   The storm is in my soul.

When someone gives their heart that is the treasure. A link to read more about this poet is here. http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/helen-maria-williams