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.