A blue-eyed phantom far before Is laughing, leaping toward the sun:Like lead I chase it evermore, I pant and run.
It breaks the sunlight bound on bound: Goes singing as it leaps alongTo sheep-bells with a dreamy sound A dreamy song.
I laugh, it is so brisk and gay; It is so far before, I weep:I hope I shall lie down some day, Lie down and sleep.
'NO, THANK YOU, JOHN'
I never said I loved you, John: Why will you tease me day by day,And wax a weariness to think upon With always 'do' and 'pray'?
You know I never loved you, John; No fault of mine made me your toast:Why will you haunt me with a face as wan As shows an hour-old ghost?
I dare say Meg or Moll would take Pity upon you, if you'd ask:And pray don't remain single for my sake Who can't perform that task.
I have no heart?—Perhaps I have not; But then you're mad to take offenceThat I don't give you what I have not got: Use your own common sense.
Let bygones be bygones: Don't call me false, who owed not to be true:I'd rather answer 'No' to fifty Johns Than answer 'Yes' to you.
Let's mar our pleasant days no more, Song-birds of passage, days of youth:Catch at to-day, forget the days before: I'll wink at your untruth.
Let us strike hands as hearty friends; No more, no less; and friendship's good:Only don't keep in view ulterior ends, And points not understood
In open treaty. Rise above Quibbles and shuffling off and on:Here's friendship for you if you like; but love,-- No, thank you, John.