If I were mild, and I were sweet
And laid my heart before your feet
And took my dearest thoughts to you
And hailed your easy lies as true
Were I to murmur "Yes," and then
"How true, my dear," and "Yes," again
And wear my eyes discreetly down
And tremble whitely at your frown
And keep my words unquestioning
My love, you'd run like anything!

Should I be frail, and I be mad
And share my heart with every lad
But beat my head against the floor
What times you wandered past my door
Were I to doubt, and I to sneer
And shriek "Farewell!" and still be here
And break your joy, and quench your trust
I should not see you for the dust!