Monsieur le Marquis d'Angouleme

being an Epistle to his young Mistress, January 24, 1763

Dear little thing, come down no more,
There is nothing further I can do;
I have gone on a limb, I have tried everything,
I have done everything for you.

The bright parade of life proceeds,
I was thrilled when you squeezed my hand;
When it came to my deepest, darkest needs,
My dear, you could not understand.

The end of the lengthy road approaches,
And my spirit slips away, unseen;
I am subject to your bitter reproaches,
I depart, as though I’d never been.

You will come, I know, and stand at my grave
And, dark-eyed, shed some tears;
In the core of your heart you will always save
Sweet anger, all those gentle years.