Once I said I love you, when once was weedy wild.
Simple things were clear then, once I was a child.
Once I said I love you, when fair my heart was true.
Trusting, fine a virtue, then love called me unto you.
Once I said I love you, when free without a care.

My heart now put out to you, then was my love exposed
Once I said I love you, when met with mute repose
My heart bestead, your truth bewrayed, bereft myself betrayed
Once I said I love you—then what, do you suppose?