Jessie B. Rittenhouse, ed. (1869–1948). The Second Book of Modern Verse. 1922.

The Dark Cavalier

I AM the Dark Cavalier; I am the Last Lover:

My arms shall welcome you when other arms are tired;

I stand to wait for you, patient in the darkness,

Offering forgetfulness of all that you desired.

I ask no merriment, no pretense of gladness,

I can love heavy lids and lips without their rose;

Though you are sorrowful you will not weary me;

I will not go from you when all the tired world goes.

I am the Dark Cavalier; I am the Last Lover;

I promise faithfulness no other lips may keep;

Safe in my bridal place, comforted by darkness,

You shall lie happily, smiling in your sleep.