I Cherish Deep That Perfumed Wisp

I cherish deep that perfumed wisp;
that mem’ry oh so dear!
That drowns me in astounding bliss,
and flings me far from here.
And ferries me back to a place
touched not by earthly woe—
the mem’ry of a time and place,
and of a girl I know…

And all the memories that flood
and bead upon my brain,
that carry me back to your arms
and lets me live again:
a time that now, seems never was—
but once, t’is so, was true!
A time when you belonged to me,
and I did cherish you.

And cherish you now, do I still,
though you are far away—
and nevermore shall know my love;
nor I, your warm embrace.
And all the history we shared
is gone, forevermore:
yet long as I do live and breathe,
my love, you are adored.