Classic Poem

If I forget, —
May joy pledge this weak heart to sorrow!
If I forget, —
May my soul's coloured summer borrow
The hueless tones of storm and rain,
Of ruth and terror, shame and pain, —
If I forget!

Though you forget, —
There is no binding code for beauty;
Though you forget, —
Love was your charm, but not your duty;
And life's worst breeze must never bring
A ruffle to your silken wing, —
Though you forget.

If I forget, —
The salt creek may forget the ocean;
If I forget, —
The heart whence flows my heart's bright motion,
May I sink meanlier than the worst,
Abandoned, outcast, crushed, accurst, —
If I forget!

Though you forget, —
No word of mine shall mar your pleasure;
Though you forget, —
You filled my barren life with treasure,
You may withdraw the gift you gave,
You still are lord, I still am slave, —
Though you forget.