At Mayfair Lodgings

How could I be aware,

The opposite window eyeing

As I lay listless there,

That through its blinds was dying

One I had rated rare

Before I had set me sighing

For another more fair?

Had the house-front been glass,

My vision unobscuring,

Could aught have come to pass

More happiness-insuring

To her, loved as a lass

When spouseless, all-alluring?

I reckon not, alas!

So, the square window stood,

Steadily night-long shining

In my close neighbourhood,

Who looked forth undivining

That soon would go for good

One there in pain reclining,

Unpardoned, unadieu'd.

Silently screened from view

Her tragedy was ending

That need not have come due

Had she been less unbending.

How near, near were we two

At that last vital rending, -

And neither of us knew!

-o0o-