At moments when your graceful form
In my embrace I long to capture,
And from my lips a tender swarm
Of love's endearments pour in rapture -
Without a word your supple shape
From my encircling arms unfolding,
You make your answer by escape
And smile at me, all trust withholding;
Too keenly mindful in your heart
Of past betrayal's. doleful mention,
You bide in listless inattention
And hear me not and take no part...
I curse the cunning machinations,
That were my sinful youth's delight,
Those hours awaiting assignations
In gardens, in the dead of night.
I curse the lover's whispered suing,
And tuneful verse's magic aids,
Caress of rashly trusting maids,
Their tears and their belated ruing.