Of lips and tears, of hearts and eyes,
I rhyme my rhymes and fear my fears;
And if of these I make you wise,
These pictured hearts, these lips, these tears,
There is nought to do; I have played my part.
And I, a captain of much guile,
Within your ranks dissensions preach
Till all are jealous, each of each--
Your eyes, lips, heart, a tear, a smile!
So, when you turn your eyes away
From mirrored eyes, and when you stay
Love-hearing with reluctant hand,
Straight then your heart-throbs will betray
That you have read, and understand!
And should your maiden heart uprise
Against fain ears and full-fain eyes,
Upon your lips, that cannot err,
I set my kiss-interpreter!
Or hold you steadfast as allies
Your heart, hand, lips, your smiles, your all,
Your faithful eyes are traitrous eyes--
Out-steals a tear to your downfall!
Your heart, your eyes, the lips of you
--Hesitant and full-fain your eyes!--
Make all my song; have I sung true?
Make all my song; are you song-wise?
_GIFTS_
My given gifts have been, ah me!
Sorrow, and superfluity.
You needed primal force, and this
Was all my giving--emphasis.
For your mute voice more mute I made,
And at your singing proffered song;
You trembled, and I was afraid--
Were pierced, I fell on the same blade--
Triumphed, and then my arm was strong.
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