Harelquins Techniques of Courtship

Michael Moorcock

If I let her see my love
will she also see my pain
and flee from it
as I would flee?

And if I pulled my domino
from my eyes
would she then know
how much of Pierrot's
left in Harlequin?

And if I told her of my yearning
would her body
cease to burn for me?
Instead would she give me
only sympathy
and mistress turn to wife?

And if I swore eternal love
in anything but
a tone of insincerity
would I alert her
to involvement
turn her thoughts
away from lust?

And if I wept upon her breast
and spoke of fears
of ghosts and death
would she withdraw
her favours from me
choosing silly Pierrot
for a husband
and shunning me?

No, I can only speak of bright lies
offer only flattery
tell her that there are no others
but let her think that many follow.
That I may be gone tomorrow
insecurity is all she wants
from me.
Madam, I present myself
Sir Harlequin -
I bring you Sin ...