Two Songs
I
MY love is selfish and unfair,
Her kisses fall so thick and fast,
That while I wait to give my share,
The priceless time is past.
And I have been to blame till now,
For I have let her do her will;
I thought it courteous to allow
My love to take her fill,
Trusting a time would quickly be,
When she would stay and look for mine;
But having borne it patiently,
I will no longer pine.
I'll fold her in my arms to-night,
And justice on her lips I'll wreak:
I'll teach my love to know the right,
And not oppress the meek!
II
BEAR thyself with formal gait,
Be thy language all sedate;
Thy opinions take on trust,
Take gold for thy only lust.
Shun belief devout or deep,
Ever to the safe side keep;
Let thy hollow laugh be framed
To the joke by all acclaimed.
Never for pure charity
Level a disparity;
Farm thy favour to a fool,
Make his gratitude thy tool.
Let thy conscience be a thing
Like a clock to go, and ring
Just that time the hour doth mark.
Let some other light the dark!
Friend and wife a bargain buy
There where state and money lie
Claim a goodly cenotaph,
Buy a lying epitaph!