University of Virginia Library


31

MADAM, AS YOU PASS US BY.

Madam, as you pass us by,
Dreaming of your loves and wine,
Do not brush your rich brocade
Against this little maid of mine,
Madam, as you pass us by.
When in youth my blood was warm,
Wine was royal, life complete;
So I drained the flasks of wine,
So I sat at woman's feet,
When in youth my blood was warm.
Time has taught me pleasant truths:
Lilies grow where thistles grew:
Ah, you loved me not. This maid
Loves me. There's an end of you!
Time has taught me pleasant truths.

32

I will speak no bitter words:
Too much passion made me blind;
You were subtle. Let it go!
For the sake of woman-kind
I will speak no bitter words.
But, Madam, as you pass us by,
Dreaming of your loves and wine,
Do not brush your rich brocade
Against this little maid of mine,
Madam, as you pass us by.