FATA MORGANA.
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blue-eyed phantom far beforeIs 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 soundA 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 uponWith 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 wanAs shows an hour-old ghost? I dare say Meg or Moll would takePity upon you, if you'd ask:And pray don't remain single for my sakeWho 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 JohnsThan 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 aboveQuibbles and shuffling off and on:Here's friendship for you if you like; but love,--No, thank you, John.
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