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Wilfrid Scawen Blunt - To Hester On The Stair
Work rating: Low

Hester, creature of my love,
 What is this? You love not me?
 On the stair you stand above,
 Looking down distrustfully
 With the corners of your eyes
 Watching me in mute surprise,
 Me, your father, only me.

 Hester, why this foolish terror,
 You who know me and my ways?
 Was my love so writ in error
 That it needed your disgrace?
 Is your doubt of locks grown thin
 Or the beard which hides his chin
 His, your father`s chin and face?

 Hester, we were fools of passion
 When our last goodbyes were smiled.
 Now you stand in your strange fashion
 By my kisses unbeguiled,
 With your light foot turned to flee
 While I press you to my knee,
 You, my child, my only child.

 Listen, Hester, I am able
 Still to flatter and be fond:
 You the wise crow of the fable
 Perched above me and beyond.
 Foolish! Not one word you speak
 To my praises of your cheek,
 Not one sound, one only sound!

 Be it so. My love you mock it,
 And my sighs are empty wind.
 See, I shut my heart and lock it
 From your laughing eyes unkind.
 Yet, remember this last word,
 Love is two--edged like a sword.
 Mind this only, only mind!
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