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Wert Thou but ill—that I might show thee
How long a Day I could endure
Though thine attention stop not on me
Nor the least signal, Me assure

Wert Thou but Stranger in ungracious country
And Mine—the Door
Thou paused at, for a passing bounty
No More

Accused—wert Thou—and Myself—Tribunal
Convicted—Sentenced—Ermine—not to Me
Half the Condition, thy Reverse—to follow
Just to partake—the infamy

The Tenant of the Narrow Cottage, wert Thou
Permit to be
The Housewife in thy low attendance
Contenteth Me

No Service hast Thou, I would not achieve it
To die—or live
The first—Sweet, proved I, ere I saw thee
For Life—be Love