Till ... how can I in conscience longer keep

My little secret that the man is dead

I, for artistic purpose, talk about

As if he lived still? No, these two years now

Has he been dead. You ought to sympathize,

Not mock the sturdy effort to redeem

My pledge, and wring you out some tragedy

From even such a perfect commonplace!

Suppose I boast the death of such desert

My tragic bit of Red? Who contravenes