Penelope
LOVE, like a wind, shook wide your blosmy eyes,You trembled, and your breath came sobbing-wiseFor that you loved me.
You were so kind, so sweet, none could withholdTo adore, but that you were so strange, so cold;For that you loved me.
Like to a box of spikenard did you breakYour heart about my feet. What words you spake!For that you loved me.
Life fell to dust without me; so you triedAll carefullest ways to drive me from your side,For that you loved me.
You gave yourself as children give, that weepAnd snatch back, with—‘I meant you not to keep!’For that you loved me.
I am no woman, girl, nor ever knewThat love could teach all ways that hate could doTo her that loved me.
Have less of love, or less of woman inYour love, or loss may even from this begin—That you so love me.
For, wild Penelope, the web you woveYou still unweave, unloving all your love;Is this to love me,
Or what rights have I that scorn could deny?Even of your love, alas, poor Love must die,If so you love me!