'TWAS a test I designed, in a quiet conceit Of myself, and the thoroughly fixed and complete Satisfaction I felt in the utter control Of the guileless young heart of the girl of my soul. So -- we parted. I said it were better we should -- That she could forget me -- I knew that she could; For I never was worthy so tender a heart, And so for her sake it were better to part. She averted her gaze, and she sighed and looked sad As I held out my hand -- for the ring that she had -- With the bitterer speech that I hoped she might be Resigned to look up and be happy with me. 'Twas a test, as I said -- but God pity your grief, At a moment like this when a smile of relief Shall leap to the lips of the woman you prize, And no mist of distress in her glorious eyes. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...OF DISTRESS BEING HUMILIATED BY THE CLASSICAL CHINESE POETS by HAYDEN CARRUTH THE HOMECOMING by THOMAS HARDY THE OLD MAN DREAMS by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES YOUTH, DAY, OLD AGE AND NIGHT by WALT WHITMAN |