Request

By Violet Nicolson

Give me your self one hour; I do not crave

For any love, or even thought, of me.

Come, as a Sultan may caress a slave

And then forget for ever, utterly.

Come! as west winds, that passing, cool and wet,

O'er desert places, leave them fields in flower

And all my life, for I shall not forget,

Will keep the fragrance of that perfect hour!