1 br br The lot by the graves was a dusty hot land; br The river behind -- blue and cool. br You told me, 'Well, go to a convent, br Or go marry a fool...' br Princes always say that, being placid or fierce, br But I cherish this speech, short and poor -- br Let it flow and shine through a thousand years, br Like from shoulders do mantles of fur. br br 2 br br And, as if in wrong occasion, br I said, 'Thou,' else... br And an easy smile of pleasure br Lit up dear face. br br From such lapses, told or mental, br Every cheek would blaze. br I love you as forty gentle br Sisters love and bless.