A MAN'S GOOD-BYE

Do you think, dear, as you say

Such a light good-bye to-day,

That this parting time may be

Mayhaps less to you, than me?

What a wonder of surprise

Looks out from your sunny eyes.

‘ Just a nice acquaintance.’ So

We have called it, dear, I know.

Now you end it with a word,

While my inmost soul is stirred.

No — you cannot understand.

But, dear, as I touch your hand,

Listening to your light good-bye,

All a man's roused passions cry

Like a tiger, stirred, at bay.

Oh! you draw your hand away.

‘ I've no right to speak so?’ Pray

Was it your right day by day

By your sweet coquettish arts

To invade my heart of hearts?

It is death to let you go.

You will hate me, dear, I know;

But I swear, ere you go hence,

I will have some recompense.

For those fires you lit in vain,

Cheeks and lips shall bear the stain

Of my kisses till you die.

Go now! this is my good-bye.