Protestations

If I tire of you, beautiful woman, I know that the fault is mine; Yet not all mine the failure And not all mine the loss! In loveliness still you walk; But I have walked with sorrow! I have threaded narrows, And I have passed through perils That you know nothing of! And I in my grief have gazed In eyes that were not yours; And my emptier hours have known The sigh of kindlier bosoms, The kiss of kindlier mouths! Yet the end of all is written, And nothing, O rose-leaf woman, You ever may dream or do Henceforth can bring me anguish Or crown my days with joy!

Three tears, O stately woman, You said could float your soul, So little a thing it seemed! Yet all that's left of life I'd give to know your love, I'd give to show my love, And feel your kiss again!