To Bennie

(In Answer to a Letter) You say, dearest comrade, my love has grown cold, But you are mistaken, it burns as of old; And no power below, dearest lad, nor above, Can ever lessen, frien’ Bennie, my love. Could you but look in my eyes, you would see That ’tis a wrong thought you have about me; Could you but feel my hand laid on your head, Never again would you say what you’ve said. Naught, O my Bennie, our friendship can sever, Dearly I love you, shall love you for ever; Moment by moment my thoughts are of you, Trust me, oh, trust me, for aye to be true.