I Closed a chamber in my heart,
And locked the door for aye;
Then, lest my weakness traitor prove,
I threw the key away.
Twas well I did, for soon there came
A hand that gently knocked, "
Excuse me, madam," said my heart, "
I fear the door is locked."
No matter," said the winning voice, "
You'll open it for me." "
I cannot, madam," said my heart, "
I've thrown away the key."
She knocked awhile, then gaily tried
Her own keys one by one,
And sighed a little when she found
The lock would yield to none.
Yet, when her knocking ceased, 'twas I
Who sighed; and since that day
I've searched in dusty corners for
The key I threw away.
