Edwin Arlington Robinson — Tact

Observant of the way she told        &nbsp So much of what was true, No vanity could long withhold        &nbsp Regard that was her due: She spared him the familiar guile,        &nbsp So easily achieved, That only made a man to smile        &nbsp And left him undeceived. Aware that all imagining        &nbsp Of more than what she meant Would urge an end of everything,        &nbsp He stayed; and when he went, They parted with a merry word        &nbsp That was to him as light As any that was ever heard        &nbsp Upon a starry night. She smiled a little, knowing well        &nbsp That he would not remark The ruins of a day that fell        &nbsp Around her in the dark: He saw no ruins anywhere,        &nbsp Nor fancied there were scars On anyone who lingered there,        &nbsp Alone below the stars.