 | Eclogues and monodramas |  |
I have heard you out, my boy; now let me speak.
We are alone together, you and I:
So we have been: the new tie changes all.
You are not pledged as yet? So far is well—
Nay now, be patient, hear me till the end:
I do not mean to gainsay with one word
Your marriage as a marriage: 'tis the way
And process of the world: the mother's turn
Cedes to this stronger heritage of time,
And the wise mother grieves not: only this,
I deem it in my duty chiefly now
To mind you how past things have stood with us,
To argue out your future as I may
In all forbearance where I see you touch'd
So nearly: therefore hear, my boy, and weigh
The words as calmly as the words are said.
It is my right and duty to advise
Tho' hardly to forbid: these few calm words
And I have done: yours is it to decide,
The sequel good or evil most is yours:
And as you say hereafter so shall I.
We are alone together, you and I:
So we have been: the new tie changes all.
You are not pledged as yet? So far is well—
Nay now, be patient, hear me till the end:
I do not mean to gainsay with one word
Your marriage as a marriage: 'tis the way
And process of the world: the mother's turn
Cedes to this stronger heritage of time,
And the wise mother grieves not: only this,
I deem it in my duty chiefly now
To mind you how past things have stood with us,
39
In all forbearance where I see you touch'd
So nearly: therefore hear, my boy, and weigh
The words as calmly as the words are said.
It is my right and duty to advise
Tho' hardly to forbid: these few calm words
And I have done: yours is it to decide,
The sequel good or evil most is yours:
And as you say hereafter so shall I.
| Eclogues and monodramas | |