A TEST
Reading edition
'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.