Choice

J. V. Cunningham

Allegiance is assigned

Forever when the mind

Chooses and stamps the will.

Thus, I must love you still

Through good and ill.

But though we cannot part

We may retract the heart

And build such privacies

As self-regard agrees

Conduce to ease.

So manners will repair

The ravage of despair

Which generous love invites,

Preferring quiet nights

To vain delights.