Poems (Duer)/A Dialogue
A DIALOGUE.
He.I am in trouble, give me your advice. She. No, for I m sure 'twould not be carried out.He.It shall, I swear it shall, at any price. She. If that's agreed, what is this all about? He. How can I win a woman who is fair And cold? She. And cold?Be colder. He. And cold?Be colder.But she's proud as well. She.Be prouder. He. But she does not seem to care, Nor notice when I'm near. She. Nor notice when I'm near.How can you tell Whether she does or not, until you ve tried Not being near? Avoid her, let her see The change, and, should chance place you at her side, Be colder, prouder, civiler than she. He.But if she cares . . . She.But if she cares . . .Then it will break her heart, Which will be easier won. He. Which will be easier won.Tis too severe On me: I could not.She.On me: I could not.Then you d better part. He. Is this your counsel? Well, good-by, my dear. She.Stay, there's one thing to do before you go. He.What? She.What?If you really love her, tell her so. Perhaps you ll find her kinder than you know.
A. D.