Oh, I have tried to laugh the pain away, br Let new flames brush my love-springs like a feather. br But the old fever seizes me to-day, br As sickness grips a soul in wretched weather. br I have given up myself to every urge, br With not a care of precious powers spent, br Have bared my body to the strangest scourge, br To soothe and deaden my heart's unhealing rent. br But you have torn a nerve out of my frame, br A gut that no physician can replace, br And reft my life of happiness and aim.