The Poetical Works of William Motherwell/The Lean Lover

by William Motherwell

The Lean Lover.

 

I paced, an easy rambler,
Along the surf-washed shore—
And watched the noble freightage
The swelling ocean bore.
I met a moody fellow
Who thus discoursed his wo—
'Across the inconstant waters,
Deceitful woman, go!

'I loved that beauteous lady—
More truly wight ne'er loved—
I loved that high-born lady,
My faith she long had proved':
Her troth to me she plighted
With passion's amorous show—
Go o'er the inconstant waters,
Ungrateful worldling, go!

'Be mine yon cliff-perched chapel
Which beetles o'er the deep;

There, like some way-worn palmer.
I'll sit me down and weep.
I'll note upon the billows
Her lessening sail of snow,
And waft across the waters—
Go, fleeting fair one, go!'

He clambered to the chapel
That toppled o'er the deep—
There, like a way-worn palmer,
He laid him down to weep:
And still I heard his wailing
Upon the strand below—
'Go o'er the inconstant waters,
Go, faithless woman, go!'