The Parting Lovers
From the Chinese by William. R. Alger
SHE says, “The cock crows,—hark!”
He says, “No! still ’t is dark.”
She says, “The dawn grows bright,”
He says, “O no, my Light.”
She says, “Stand up and say,
Gets not the heaven gray?”
He says, “The morning star
Climbs the horizon’s bar.”
She says, “Then quick depart:
Alas! you now must start;
But give the cock a blow
Who did begin our woe!”