A Woman's Love

     I am not blind — I understand;
          I see him loyal, good, and wise,
     I feel decision in his hand,
          I read his honour in his eyes.
     Manliest among men is he
          With every gift and grace to clothe
            him;
     He never loved a girl but me —
          And I — I loathe him! — loathe him!

     The other! Ah! I value him
          Precisely at his proper rate,
     A creature of caprice and whim,
          Unstable, weak, importunate.
     His thoughts are set on paltry gain —
          You only tell me what I see —

     I know him selfish, cold and vain;
          But, oh! he's all the world to me!