Classic Poem

They chide you for being so gay;
You have reckless spirits, they say,
And moods like an April day,
Madeline.

Reckless and flippant and light,
I heard them call you last night,
When your mirth rose to its height,
Madeline.

Reckless and flippant and light, —
I, who knew you aright,
Knew 't was a pitiful slight,
Madeline.

For I knew what none of them guessed,
That, if your heart were at rest,
Your lips would be slower to jest,
Madeline.

Then let them reprove as they may:
If it eases your heart to be gay,
To laugh ever so light, laugh away,
Madeline, Madeline.