WIFE TO HUSBAND
Reading edition
Pardon the faults in me, For the love of years ago: Good-bye. I must drift across the sea, I must sink into the snow, I must die.
You can bask in this sun, You can drink wine, and eat: Good-bye. I must gird myself and run, 10 Though with unready feet: I must die.
Blank sea to sail upon, Cold bed to sleep in: Good-bye. While you clasp, I must be gone For all your weeping: I must die.
A kiss for one friend, And a word for two,— 20 Good-bye:— A lock that you must send, A kindness you must do: I must die.
Not a word for you, Not a lock or kiss, Good-bye. We, one, must part in two; Verily death is this: I must die. 30