Though they say Jove laughs at the lover's vow--
At the lover's vow that must break some day--
Still we smiled as we loved in a distant May
When the blooms were heavy upon the bough.

O, the mocking difference of then and now!
It isn't a thought that will make one gay,
Though they say Jove laughs at the lover's vow--
At the lover's vow that must break some day.

Yet, perhaps, the god knows the best way how
To carry a mask when the feet are clay;
So I too shall laugh at the merry play,
For down in his heart there's a knife, I trow,
Though they say Jove laughs at the lover's vow.