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1811–1863

TO MARY.

William Makepeace Thackeray

I seem, in the midst of the crowd, The lightest of all; My laughter rings cheery and loud, In banquet and ball.

My lip hath its smiles and its sneers, For all men to see; But my soul, and my truth, and my tears, Are for thee, are for thee!

Around me they flatter and fawn — The young and the old. The fairest are ready to pawn Their hearts for my gold.

They sue me — I laugh as I spurn The slaves at my knee; But in faith and in fondness I turn Unto thee, unto thee!

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TO MARY. · William Makepeace Thackeray · Poetry Cove