Part 10 (1/2)
But hither and thither all is vain, It flies in the darkness, and seeks for you.
Back in the morning, drenched with rain, The poor thing cometh with never a clue.
But all night long the rain falls down, Like a poor crazed thing that has lost its way, Through the forest and through the town It searches for you till the break of day.
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 pa.s.sions 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.
AT THE HOP
'Tis time to dress. Dost hear the music surging Like sobbing waves that roll up from the sea?
Yes, yes, I hear--I yield--no need of urging; I know your wishes,--send Lisette to me.
I hate the ballroom; hate its gilded pleasure; I hate the crowd within it, well you know; But what of that? I am your lawful treasure-- And when you would display me I must go.
You bought me with a mother's pain and trouble.
I've been a great expense to you alway.
And now, if you can sell me, and get double The sum I cost--why, what have I to say?
You've done your duty: kept me in the fas.h.i.+on, And shown me off at every stylish place.
'Twas not your fault I had a heart of pa.s.sion; 'Twas not your fault I ever _saw_ his face.
The dream was brief, and beautiful, and tender, (O G.o.d! to live those golden hours once more.