Classic Poem

He bade me " Be happy, " he whisper'd " Forget me; "
— — He vow'd my affection was cherish'd in vain.
" Be happy! " " Forget me! " I would, if he'd let me —
— — Why will he keep coming to say so again?

He came — it was not the first time, by a dozen —
— — To take, as he said, " an eternal adieu; "
He went, and, for comfort, I turn'd to — my cousin,
— — When back stalk'd the torment his vows to renew.

" You must love me no longer! " he said but this morning.
— — " I love you no longer! " I meekly replied.
" Is this my reward? " he cried; " falsehood and scorning
— — From her who was ever my idol, my pride! "