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!