Nay, Romney, nay--I will not hear you say Those words again: "I love you, love you sweet!"You are profane--blasphemous. I repeat, You are no actor for so grand a play.
You love with all your heart? Well, that may be;Some cups are fashioned shallow. Should I try To quench my thirst from one of those, when dry -I who have had a full bowl proffered me -A new bowl brimming with a draught divine, One single taste thrilled to the finger-tips?
Think you I even care to bathe my lips With this poor sweetened water you call wine?
And though I spilled the nectar ere 'twas quaffed, And broke the bowl in wanton folly, yet I would die of my thirst ere I would wet My burning lips with any meaner draught.
So leave me, Romney. One who has seen a play Enacted by a star cannot endure To see it rendered by an amateur.
You know not what Love is--now go away!
