If I have erred in showing all my heart, <br />And lost your favour by a lack of pride; <br />If standing like a beggar at your side <br />With naked feet, I have forgot the art <br />Of those who bargain well in passion's mart, <br />And win the thing they want by what they hide; <br />Be mine the fault as mine the hope denied, <br />Be mine the lover's and the loser's part. <br /> <br />The sin, if sin it was, I do repent, <br />And take the penance on myself alone; <br />Yet after I have borne the punishment, <br />I shall not fear to stand before the throne <br />Of Love with open heart, and make this plea: <br />"At least I have not lied to her nor Thee!"<br /><br />Henry Van Dyke<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/without-disguise/
