Never mind! Though foolishness may flout me,

One thing 's sure enough: 't is neither frost,

No, nor fire, shall freeze or burn from out me

Thanks for truth—though falsehood, gained—though lost.

All my days, I 'll go the softlier, sadlier,

For that dream's sake! How forget the thrill

Through and through me as I thought "The gladlier

Lives my friend because I love him still!"

Ah, but there 's a menace some one utters!

"What and if your friend at home play tricks?