1737

Rearrange a “Wife's” affection!
When they dislocate my Brain!
Amputate my freckled Bosom!
Make me bearded like a man!

Blush, my spirit, in thy Fastness-
Blush, my unacknowledged clay-
Seven years of troth have taught thee
More than Wifehood every may!

Love that never leaped its socket-
Trust entrenched in narrow pain-
Constancy thro' fire-awarded-
Anguish-bare of anodyne!

Burden-borne so far triumphant-
None suspect me of the crown,
For I wear the “Thorns” till Sunset-
Then-my Diadem put on.

Big my Secret but it's bandaged-
It will never get away
Till the Day its Weary Keeper
Leads it through the Grave to thee.