I do but ask that you be always fair <br />That I forever may continue kind; <br />Knowing me what I am, you should not dare <br />To lapse from beauty ever, nor seek to bind <br />My alterable mood with lesser cords; <br />Weeping and such soft matters must invite <br />To further vagrancy; and bitter words <br />Chafe soon to irremediable flight, <br />Wherefore I pray you if you love me dearly, <br />Less dear to hold me than your own bright charms, <br />Whence it may fall that until death, or nearly, <br />I shall not move to struggle from your arms: <br />Fade if you must,--I would but bid you be <br />Like the sweet year, doing all things graciously.<br /><br />Edna St Vincent Millay<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-do-but-ask-that-you-be-always-fair-2/
