What tho’ you loved me once? Man's love at best
Is but a mood — the fancy of an hour,
You held all faith and truth a theme for jest,
Love's recompense, a smile. You knew your power.
What tho’ you loved me then? You went away
And left my life an arid waste of pain;
And now — your best years spent, your idols clay —
You stretch imploring arms to me again.
What tho’ you love me still? What tho’ you say
The current of your life toward mine is set,
As vagrant stars obey the planets’ sway,
Or perfume clingeth to the violet?
What tho’ I once loved you? See in yon West
Day's fires have burned to ashes cold and gray;
So in my quiet heart love's wild unrest
By its own flame consumed, is dead for aye.