Meeting

Hidden by old age a while

In masker's cloak and hood,

Each hating what the other loved,

Face to face we stood:

'That I have met with such,' said he,

'Bodes me little good.'



'Let others boast their fill,' said I,

'But never dare to boast

That such as I had such a man

For lover in the past;

Say that of living men I hate

Such a man the most.'



'A loony'd boast of such a love,'

He in his rage declared:

But such as he for such as me --

Could we both discard

This beggarly habiliment --

Had found a sweeter word.