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1849–1916

FALSE AND TRUE

James Whitcomb Riley

One said: “Here is my hand to lean upon As long as you may need it.” And one said: “Believe me true to you till I am dead.” And one, whose dainty way it was to fawn

About my face, with mellow fingers drawn Most soothingly o'er brow and drooping head, Sighed tremulously: “Till my breath is fled Know I am faithful!”... Now, all these are gone

And many like to them — and yet I make No bitter moan above their grassy graves — Alas! they are not dead for me to take Such sorry comfort!— but my heart behaves

Most graciously, since one who never spake A vow is true to me for true love's sake.

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FALSE AND TRUE · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove