Malay Song

   When first I loved, I gave my very soul
   Utterly unreserved to Love's control,
   But Love deceived me, wrenched my youth away
   And made the gold of life for ever grey.
   Long I lived lonely, yet I tried in vain
   With any other Joy to stifle pain;
   There is no other joy, I learned to know,
   And so returned to Love, as long ago.
   Yet I, this little while ere I go hence,
   Love very lightly now, in self-defence.

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