Quatrains
Reading edition
I. Morality
Behold these proper lovers, when they meet: Each longs for love’s caresses, but that heat Must be suppressed; it is the moral code. God made their passion.... Made he this deceit?
2. The Dying Thespian
The theatre was my life, the very breath Of my existence, so what followeth Shall be in keeping. Tell the player-world I take my final rôle—the lead, in “Death”.
3. A Maiden Lady
In younger days, her virtue was a veil She planned to drop, when true love should assail. No lovers came. Perforce, her life was chaste. In age, she boasts her virtue’s iron mail!
4. Futility
So many, ere they leave this little sphere Say thus and so observe my death; make cheer Or weep, in just this way. Well, as for me, Mourn me or not: I shall not pause to hear!
C. G. POORE.