Fiddler's Farewell/Cantares

by Leonora Speyer

Cantares

I

Sweet, my sweet!
Was I a fool to show you the sky—
Then strap my wings to your feet?

II

I lied—trusting you knew
I could not lie to you.

Beloved friend, I lied, and am forgiven: but I
Cannot forgive that you believed my lie!

III

Suffer the moths to singe their wings
At your proud prodigal light
All night!

But you, but you,
Singeing your flame
At their frail wings—
Ah shame!

IV

Close not the door, dear love,—he cried—
I stand and wait; ah, throw it wide!
Wherefore,—she said—and you inside?