A TEST

‘ Twas a test I designed, in a quiet conceit

Of myself, and the thoroughly fixed and complete

Satisfaction I felt in the utter control

Of the guileless young heart of the girl of my soul.

So — we parted. I said it were better we should —

That she could forget me — I knew that she could;

For I never was worthy so tender a heart,

And so for her sake it were better to part.

She averted her gaze, and she sighed and looked sad

As I held out my hand — for the ring that she had —

With the bitterer speech that I hoped she might be

Resigned to look up and be happy with me.

‘ Twas a test, as I said — but God pity your grief,

At a moment like this when a smile of relief

Shall leap to the lips of the woman you prize,

And no mist of distress in her glorious eyes.