LET me forget! Why should I seek to hold Thine image in the mirror of my mind? For him who can no way to please thee find To house such tenant were indeed too bold -- Let me forget! Do I not know the magic of that smile; The way that wayward color comes and goes, Fair Lady of the Lily and the Rose, What time the souls of men thou would'st beguile: Do I not know? Thou shalt not reign, proud Queen, in this poor heart; No rash oath of allegiance will I swear -- Though thou art beautiful beyond compare, Thine art is nature, and thy nature art -- Thou shalt not reign! And yet, and yet -- how can I close my door? It may be thou art weary and acold: -- Come in! Come in! To welcome thee is bold; But work thy will -- I am thy slave once more -- And yet! And yet! |