Poems (Victor)/Oaths are but Words

by Frances Fuller Victor

OATHS ARE BUT WORDS.

"Oaths are but words," the Spaniards said,
"And words but air"; and so they broke
Both word and oath, as I have read.

In truth I think that words are air,
And scarcely worthy to be spoke
'Twixt friend and friend whose hearts we share.

Far sweeter language speaks the eye,
And truer than the pliant tongue;
And by this we are friends for aye.

I see your gentle heart, and you
Are sure that mine is kind and strong
And each believes the other true.

What need is there for me to say,
"Remember me in times to come?"
You will remember, come what may.

And I—I have no pledge to give,
My lips when I would speak are dumb,
But you will trust, nor I deceive.