FALSE AND TRUE

One said: “Here is my hand to lean upon

As long as you may need it.” And one said:

“Believe me true to you till I am dead.”

And one, whose dainty way it was to fawn

About my face, with mellow fingers drawn

Most soothingly o'er brow and drooping head,

Sighed tremulously: “Till my breath is fled

Know I am faithful!”... Now, all these are gone

And many like to them — and yet I make

No bitter moan above their grassy graves —

Alas! they are not dead for me to take

Such sorry comfort!— but my heart behaves

Most graciously, since one who never spake

A vow is true to me for true love's sake.