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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FALSE AND TRUE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: ONE SAID: HERE IS MY HAND TO LEAN UPON
Last Line: A VOW IS TRUE TO ME FOR TRUE LOVE'S SAKE.
Subject(s): FAITH; LOVE; BELIEF; CREED;

ONE said: "Here is my hand to lean upon
As long as you may need it." And one said:
"Believe me true to you till I am dead."
And one, whose dainty way it was to fawn
About my face, with mellow fingers drawn
Most soothingly o'er brow and drooping head,
Sighed tremulously: "Till my breath is fled
Know I am faithful!" . . . Now, all these are gone
And many like to them -- and yet I make
No bitter moan above their grassy graves --
Alas! they are not dead for me to take
Such sorry comfort! -- but my heart behaves
Most graciously, since one who never spake
A vow is true to me for true love's sake.



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