Release

I asked to be released, I did not know ’Twas hate, not love, that would not let me go. Vengeance had burned your image on my mind, I gazed and gazed until my eyes were blind. Now--neither pride nor love has set me free, But happy chance--in wonderful degree.

Shackled by memory, a prey to fear, Once you were mine by the black load I bore, But now, released, I lose you--O my Dear, Ever, irrevocably mine no more!