Is It So?

Is It So?

They have told me that thou art

Not what thy lips have told,

But a fickle thing, whose heart

Is as vain as it is cold.

They have told me that in turn,

Pride and envy rule thy breast;

That to-morrow thou wilt spurn,

What to-day thou convetest;

Tell me truly, yes or no,
Tell me, lady, is it so?


They have said those eyes of thine,

Which so fondly beam on me?

Would with equal fondness shine,

Were my rival near to thee:

That those cheeks thus overspread

With their blushes when we meet,

Would assume as deep a red

Were another at thy feet;

Tell me, lady, yes or no,
Tell me truly, is it so?


They have sworn that placid smile

Is but meant to lead astray;

That those lips are lips of guile,

And those eyes are false as they:

That thou now could'st bid farewell,

Without pain, without regret,

Such, alas! the tales they tell;

Not that I believe them - yet

Answer truly, yes or no,
Answer, lady, is it so?

Unattributed

1:29 p. 116

1827.09.28