FORGIVE.
Forgive me dear, I did not know
That words of mine wouldst cause thee woe.
I love thee all too well to bring
To thy dear heart the smallest sting.
Thy life is all too sweet and pure
To ever grief or pain endure.
And evermore I’ll guard my speech,
E’ermore my careless tongue I’ll teach
To speak but loving words to thee,
From caustic speech I will be free.
The past is past. Wilt thou forget
The words I spake when first we met?
The thoughtless words that I then spake
Will ever in my heart awake
Remorse, and sorrow, deepest pain.—
O must I plead to thee in vain?
E’er more I’ll speak but love words, dear,
For only love-words shouldst thou hear.