Semitones
i.
Give me a rose not merely sweet and fresh,
Not only red and bright,
But caught about in such a thorny mesh
As rankles in delight.
Smile on me, Sweet; but look not only kind
The smile that most endears
Trembles on pallid lips from eyes half-blind
With brine of bitter tears.
ii.
Ah, could I clasp thee in mine arms.
And thou not feel me there,
Asleep and free from vain alarms.
Asleep and unaware!
Ah, could I kiss thy pallid cheek,
And thou not know me nigh;
Asleep at last, and very meek.
Who wert as proud as I.
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