Through, ah, how many hours of wistful strife

With you, who guessed not, even, the tender struggle rife

Between us. When I met you with a smile,

"Love's not for me," you thought, "yet while she kindly

Still looks and speaks, I'll stay." And went thus blindly

Taking for innocence what sprang from guile

That I might hold you by me just a little while.

The day I dropped a flower upon the path,

Did you not know it was the thing I aimed for

When you behind me loitered (somewhat lamed for