On a Grey Thread/Constancy
Constancy
You 're jealous if I kiss this girl and that.You think I should be constant to one mouth.Little you know of my too quenchless drouth.My sister, I keep faith with love, not lovers.
Life laid a flaming finger on my heart,Gave me an electric golden thread,Pointed to a pile of beads and said:Link me one more perfect than the rest.
Love 's the thread, my sister, you a bead,An ivory one, you are so delicate.These first burned ash-grey—far too passionate.Farther on the colors mount and sing.
When the last bead 's painted with the last designAnd slipped upon the thread, I 'll tie it so,Then smiling quietly, I 'll turn and goWhile vain Life boasts her latest ornament.