The Parting Lovers

Anonymous

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!”