FOR thee, I shall not die, <br /> Woman of high fame and name; <br />Foolish men thou mayest slay <br /> I and they are not the same. <br /> <br />Why should I expire <br /> For the fire of an eye, <br />Slender waist or swan-like limb, <br /> Is't for them that I should die? <br /> <br />The round breasts, the fresh skin, <br /> Cheeks crimson, hair so long and rich; <br />Indeed, indeed, I shall not die, <br /> Please God, not I, for any such. <br /> <br />The golden hair, the forehead thin, <br /> The chaste mien, the gracious ease, <br />The rounded heel, the languid tone,— <br /> Fools alone find death from these. <br /> <br />Thy sharp wit, thy perfect calm, <br /> Thy thin palm like foam o' the sea; <br />Thy white neck, thy blue eye, <br /> I shall not die for thee. <br /> <br />Woman, graceful as the swan, <br /> A wise man did nurture me. <br />Little palm, white neck, bright eye, <br /> I shall not die for ye.<br /><br />Douglas Hyde<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/i-shall-not-die-for-thee-2/
