We knew too little of the world, And you and I were good—’Twas paltry things that wrecked our lives As well I knew they would.The people said our love was dead, But how were they to know?Ah! had we loved each other less We’d not have quarrelled so.
We knew too little of the world, And you and I were kind,We listened to what others said And both of us were blind.The people said ’twas selfishness, But how were they to know?Ah! had we both more selfish been We’d not have parted so.
But still when all seems lost on earth Then heaven sets a sign—Kneel down beside your lonely bed, And I will kneel by mine,And let us pray for happy days— Like those of long ago.Ah! had we knelt together then We’d not have parted so.
Sources, publication & text notesReference details
Canonical recordPOEM-000653
Copy-textWhen I Was King and Other Verses (1905), Project Gutenberg Australia; selected copy-text retained exactly; substantive wording and line/stanza layout independently confirmed against SRC-000067 under D-180
While The Billy BoilsSearch