Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/688

 562. Proud Word you never spoke

Proud word you never spoke, but you will speak Four not exempt from pride some future day. Resting on one white hand a warm wet cheek, Over my open volume you will say, 'This man loved me'—then rise and trip away.

563. Resignation

Why, why repine, my pensive friend, At pleasures slipp'd away? Some the stern Fates will never lend, And all refuse to stay.

I see the rainbow in the sky, The dew upon the grass; I see them, and I ask not why They glimmer or they pass.

With folded arms I linger not To call them back; 'twere vain: In this, or in some other spot, I know they'll shine again.

564. Mother, I cannot mind my Wheel

Mother, I cannot mind my wheel; My fingers ache, my lips are dry: O, if you felt the pain I feel! But O, who ever felt as I?

No longer could I doubt him true— All other men may use deceit; He always said my eyes were blue, And often swore my lips were sweet.