YES, ladies fair! Say what you will; Yes, you possess the fatal might To cast us by a sigh, at will, Or in despair, or in delight. A single word, a word denied, A careless look, a mocking start Can plant a dagger in the heart Of those in your enchantment tied. Well may you boast at every hour; For, thanks be to our cowardice, There's nothing equal to your power, Unless it be your fickleness. But every power on earth we see Die when its wings too mighty grow; And who ne'er tells his misery Flies from you, though his tears may flow. However great his sorrows are, His hapless lot I still prefer; Our torture better is to bear, Than is your trade of murderer. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CAT by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES MIDWINTER BLUES by JAMES LANGSTON HUGHES THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 54. LOVE'S FATALITY by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI I HEARD YOUR SOLEMN-SWEET PIPES by WALT WHITMAN CAMP-MEETING SUNDAY AT OCEAN GROVE by ETHEL LYNN BEERS |