ONCE in life I watched a Star;
  But I whistled, ‘Let her go!
There are others, fairer far.
  Which my favouring skies shall show.’
Here I lied, and herein I
Stood to pay the penalty.

Marvellous the Planets shone
  As I ranged from coast to coast;
But beyond comparison
  Rode the Star that I had lost.
I had lied, and only I
Did not guess the penalty!

When my Heavens were turned to blood.
  When the dark had filled my day.
Furthest, but most faithful, stood
  That lone Star I cast away.
I had loved myself, and I
Have not lived and dare not die!