Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FAITHFUL LOVERS, by ANONYMOUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FAITHFUL LOVERS, by                    
First Line: "I've been away from her three years, - about that"
Last Line: "no, I replied, ""for I am married too."
Subject(s): Love - Complaints


I'D been away from her three years, -- about that,
And I returned to find my Mary true;
And though I'd question her, I did not doubt that
It was unnecessary so to do.
'T was by the chimney-corner we were sitting:
"Mary," said I, "have you been always true?"
"Frankly," says she, just pausing in her knitting,
"I don't think I've unfaithful been to you:
But for the three years past I'll tell you what
I've done; then say if I've been true or not.
"When first you left my grief was uncontrollable;
Alone I mourned my miserable lot;
And all who saw me thought me inconsolable;
Till Captain Clifford came from Aldershot.
To flirt with him amused me while 't was new:
I don't count that unfaithfulness -- do you?
"The next -- oh! let me see -- was Frankie Phipps;
I met him at my uncle's, Christmas-tide,
And 'neath the mistletoe, where lips meet lips,
He gave me his first kiss -- " And here she sighed.
"We stayed six weeks at uncle's -- how time flew!
I don't count that unfaithfulness -- do you?
"Lord Cecil Fossmore -- only twenty-one --
Lent me his horse. O, how we rode and raced!
We scoured the downs -- we rode to hounds -- such fun!
And often was his arm about my waist, --
That was to lift me up and down. But who
Would call just that unfaithfulness? Would you?
"Do you know Reggy Vere? Ah, how he sings!
We met, -- 't was at a picnic. O such weather!
He gave me, look, the first of these two rings
When we were lost in Cliefden woods together.
Ah, what a happy time we spent, -- we two!
I don't count that unfaithfulness to you.
"I've yet another ring from him; d'ye see
The plain gold circlet that is shining here?"
I took her hand: "O Mary! can it be
That you --" Quoth she, "that I am Mrs. Vere.
I don't call that unfaithfulness -- do you?"
"No," I replied, "for I am married too."




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