APOLOGETIC POSTSCRIPT OF A YEAR LATER

IF you see this song, my dear,

And last year’s toast,

I’m confoundedly in fear

You’ll be serious and severe

About the boast.

Blame not that I sought such aid

To cure regret.

I was then so lowly laid

I used all the Gasconnade

That I could get.

Being snubbed is somewhat smart,

Believe, my sweet;

And I needed all my art

To restore my broken heart

To its conceit.

Come and smile, dear, and forget

I boasted so,

I apologise—regret—

It was all a jest;—and—yet—

I do not know.

New Poems, and Variant Readings · 第 33 / 149 题