Richard Hovey, Forgiven, from The Bibelot, Volume X, Number IX,A Reprint of Poetry and Prose for Book Lovers, chosen in part from scarce editions and sources not generally known, rare poetry, rare prose, free online text, e-book, 20th century English literature, online text, free e-book, on www.elfinspell.com (Bibelot10HoveyForgiven)

From The Bibelot, A Reprint of Poetry and Prose for Book Lovers, chosen in part from scarce editions and sources not generally known, Volume X, Testimonial Edition, Edited and Originally Published by Thomas B. Mosher, Portland, Maine; Wm. Wise & Co.; New York; 1904; p. 306.

306

FORGIVEN.

“DESPISE me if you will. I have done you wrong, —
   Most grievous wrong, — but not the wrong
                   you think.
You deemed me strongest where I was not strong,
    And martyr where a scratch would make me shrink.
Nor, false for truth’s sake though I wrest my role,
    Am I one half so false as I am true;
And mine own truth has throttled my proud soul
    And cast it prostrate at the feet of you.
I am most humble; but my heart cries out
    For one last grace from you before we part;
— Though it give pain, to hear my tale throughout
    And — not forgive — but understand my heart.
Therefore I bare my soul to you and tell
    The utter truth, though speaking so I seem
But a reiterate anguish to compel,
    That in condemning you may not condemn
You know not what, but me, me, me!” — The whole
    I told then, act and impulse; I kept not
Aught back that might reveal me to her soul:
    And she forgave, — but understand no jot.

IX. ALONG THE TRAIL: LYRICS BY RICHARD HOVEY.

FORGIVEN.

[Back] [Blueprint] [Next]