THE WORST OF IT. 1. WOULD it were I had been false, not you! On my speckled hide; not you, the pride 2. I had dipped in life's struggle, and out again, 3. Yes, all through the speckled beast that I am, Since on better thought you break, as you ought, 4. Yes, might I judge you, here were my heart, Yours, leave or take, or mar me or make; If I acquiesce, why should you be teased With the conscience-prick and the memory-smart? 5. But what will God say? Oh, my sweet, Think, and be sorry you did this thing! Though earth were unworthy to feel your feet, There's a Heaven above may deserve your love: Should you forfeit Heaven for a snapt gold ring And a promise broke, were it just or meet? 6. And I to have tempted you! I, who tried 7. She, ruined? How? No Heaven for her? Shall the robe be worn, and the palm-branch borne, And she go graceless, she graced now Beyond all saints, as themselves aver? 8. Hardly! That must be understood! The earth is your place of penance, then; How a blow should fall, such as falls on men, |