ELVINA 
 
Written at Eastbourne. 
 
Tune—“ German Evening Hymn.” 
 
WAS thy fault to be too tender ? 
Was thine error to be weak ? 
Was my kiss the chief offender 
Pressed upon thy blushing cheek ? 
 
Was it sin to press and press thee 
Till thy burning lips at last 
Madly kissed me ?  How I bless thee, 
Now, for that superb repast ! 
 
All-consuming, all-devouring, 
All-absorbing, burnt the flame ; 
Burnt unchecked till, hotly showering, 
Passion disregarded Shame ! 
 
Was it sin—that moonlight madness ? 
Was our passion so accurst ? 
Sweetness damned to mother Sadness ? 
Satisfaction to bring Thirst ? 
 
 
 
II