Richard Watson Gilder (Ричард Уотсон Гилдер)
The New Day. Part 3. 12. Denial
When some new thought of love in me is born, Then swift I seek a token fair and meet That may unblamed thy blessèd vision greet; Whether it be a rose, not bloodless torn From that June tree which hideth many a thorn, Or but a simple, loving message, sweet With summer's heart and mine,—these at thy feet I straightway fling; but all with maiden scorn Thou spurnest. What to thee is token or sign, Who dost deny the thing wherefor it stands! Then I seem foolish in my sight and thine, Like one who eager proffers empty hands. Thou only callest these my gifts unfine, While men are praising them in distant lands.
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