Thy love I am. Thy wife I cannot be,
To wear the yoke of servitude — to take
Strange, unknown fetters that I cannot break
On soul and flesh that should be mine, and free.
Better the woman's old disgrace for me
Than this old sin — this deep and dire mistake;
Better for truth and honour and thy sake —
For the pure faith I give and take from thee.
I know thy love, and love thee all I can —
I fain would love thee only till I die;
But I may some day love a better man,
And thou may'st find a fitter mate than I;
Some want, some chill, may steal 'twixt heart and heart.
And then we must be free to kiss and part.
This is reallt well written, but rather sad...that she refuses to marry him.why is she with him if she is not leaning towards marrying him someday? to pass time? ....It is an excellent write though.BIG UPS
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
A delicate and immensely intimate relationship unfolded with beautiful delicacy.