The Time I’ve Lost in WooingAir — Peas upon a TrencherTHE time I’ve lost in wooing,In watching and pursuing The light that lies In woman’s eyes,Has been my heart’s undoing.Though Wisdom oft has sought me,I scorn’d the lore she brought me, My only books Were woman’s looks,And folly’s all they’ve taught me.Her smile when Beauty granted,I hung with gaze enchanted, Like him the Sprite, Whom maids by nightOft meet in glen that’s haunted.Like him, too, Beauty won me,But while her eyes were on me, If once their ray Was turn’d away,O! winds could not outrun me.And are those follies going?And is my proud heart growing Too cold or wise For brilliant eyesAgain to set it glowing?No, vain, alas! the endeavourFrom bonds so sweet to sever; Poor Wisdom’s chance Against a glanceIs now as weak as ever.