I.

Never any more, While I live, Need I hope to see his face As before.

Once his love grown chill, Mine may strive:

Bitterly we re-embrace, Single still.

II.

Was it something said, Something done, Vexed him? was it touch of hand, Turn of head?

Strange! that very way Love begun:

I as little understand Love's decay.

III.

When I sewed or drew, I recall How he looked as if I sung, ---Sweetly too.

If I spoke a word, First of all Up his cheek the colour sprang, Then he heard.

IV.

Sitting by my side, At my feet, So he breathed but air I breathed, Satisfied!

I, too, at love's brim Touched the sweet:

I would die if death bequeathed Sweet to him.

V.

``Speak, I love thee best!''

He exclaimed:

``Let thy love my own foretell!''

I confessed:

``Clasp my heart on thine ``Now unblamed, ``Since upon thy soul as well ``Hangeth mine!''

VI.

Was it wrong to own, Being truth?

Why should all the giving prove His alone?

I had wealth and ease, Beauty, youth:

Since my lover gave me love, I gave these.

VII.

That was all I meant, ---To be just, And the passion I had raised, To content.

Since he chose to change Gold for dust, If I gave him what he praised Was it strange?

VIII.

Would he loved me yet, On and on, While I found some way undreamed ---Paid my debt!

Gave more life and more, Till, all gone, He should smile ``She never seemed ``Mine before.

IX.

``What, she felt the while, ``Must I think?

``Love's so different with us men!''

He should smile:

``Dying for my sake---``White and pink!

``Can't we touch these bubbles then ``But they break?''

X.

Dear, the pang is brief, Do thy part, Have thy pleasure! How perplexed Grows belief!

Well, this cold clay clod Was man's heart:

Crumble it, and what comes next?

Is it God?