Was wrong and a mistake; it would have meant defeat,
"Ruin and misery to us both. Let be.
You say I should have told her this? Perhaps.
You try to make a loving woman see
That the warm link which holds you to her snaps.
Neglect is deadlier than the thunder-claps.
Yet she is bright and I am water. Well,
I did not make myself; this life is often hell.
"Judge if you must, but understand it first.
We are old friends, and townsmen, Shropshire born,