I like you met I love you, face to face;
The path was narrow, and they could not pass.
I like you smiled; I love you cried, Alas!
And so they halted for a little space.
"Turn thou and go before," I love you said,
"Down the green pathway, bright with many a flower;
Deep in the valley, lo! my bridal bower
Awaits thee." But I like you shook his head.
Then while they lingered on the span-wide shelf
That shaped a pathway round the rocky ledge,
I like you bared his icy dagger's edge,
And first he slew I love you,—then himself.