As jests are wont to be, untrue—

As if the sum of joy to you

Were hunt and picnic, rout and ball.

Your eyes met mine: I did not blame;

You saw it: but I touched too near

Some noble nerve; a silent tear

Spoke soft reproach and lofty shame.

I do not wish those words unsaid.

Unspoilt by praise or pleasure, you

In that one look to woman grew,