VI
Nay, even thus you could not credit Fate,
Even in my arms close cuddled as you lay
With hard-shut eyes and lips inebriate
With their own kisses all this happy day.
Nay, but blaspheming you put hope aside,
Bade me forget you, swore yourself a liar,
Smiled through the words because you knew you lied,
Knew that—what waters can put out our fire?
So we amused ourselves with cunning brisk
Careful arrangements to forget each other.
You cut that love-curl from your neck at risk
Of comment—at the slightest—from your mother.
You gave it me—God forget me, dear girl,
When I forget to treasure up that curl!
Even in my arms close cuddled as you lay
With hard-shut eyes and lips inebriate
With their own kisses all this happy day.
Nay, but blaspheming you put hope aside,
Bade me forget you, swore yourself a liar,
Smiled through the words because you knew you lied,
Knew that—what waters can put out our fire?
So we amused ourselves with cunning brisk
Careful arrangements to forget each other.
You cut that love-curl from your neck at risk
Of comment—at the slightest—from your mother.
You gave it me—God forget me, dear girl,
When I forget to treasure up that curl!
— 56 —
