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 knewI could not lie to you.

Beloved friend, I lied, and am forgiven: but ICannot forgive that you believed my lie!

III

Suffer the moths to singe their wingsAt your proud prodigal lightAll night!

But you, but you,Singeing your flameAt 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?