I Know I Have Been Happiest

I know I have been happiest at your side

But what is done, is done, and all's to be

And small the good, to linger dolefully

Gayly it lived, and gallantly it died

I will not make you songs of hearts denied

And you, being man, would have no tears of me

And should I offer you fidelity

You'd be, I think, a little terrified



Yet this the need of woman, this her curse

To range her little gifts, and give, and give

Because the throb of giving's sweet to bear

To you, who never begged me vows or verse

My gift shall be my absence, while I live

But after that, my dear, I cannot swear