Classic Poem

You shall be beautiful until the end
Even as you were faithful from the start.
You did not ask the forfeit of my heart
Because you loved me once, or were my friend;
Nor sought my pride to break, my will to bend
As others who have used me on the mart,
Winning their unearned triumphs through my art,—
Quick to forget me on the road they wend.

You shall be beautiful until the last,
For where my faith was wantonly betrayed,
You did not fail, though 'twere your dying breath.
So have I built my sanctuary fast
In you, who know how well my soul has made
Its covenant with truth, more strong than death.