'TWAS a test I designed, in a quiet conceit Of myself, and the thoroughly fixed and complete Satisfaction I felt in the utter control Of the guileless young heart of the girl of my soul. So -- we parted. I said it were better we should -- That she could forget me -- I knew that she could; For I never was worthy so tender a heart, And so for her sake it were better to part. She averted her gaze, and she sighed and looked sad As I held out my hand -- for the ring that she had -- With the bitterer speech that I hoped she might be Resigned to look up and be happy with me. 'Twas a test, as I said -- but God pity your grief, At a moment like this when a smile of relief Shall leap to the lips of the woman you prize, And no mist of distress in her glorious eyes. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE FALL; A GREAT FAVORIT BEHEADED by LUIS DE GONGORA A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 15 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN WHEN I BUY PICTURES by MARIANNE MOORE THE DEAD HEROES by ISAAC ROSENBERG INTO THE TWILIGHT by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS AFFINITES: 2 by MATHILDE BLIND |