A Poison Tree



I was angry with my friend:

I told my wrath, my wrath did end.

I was angry with my foe:

I told it not, my wrath did grow.



And I water'd it in fears

Night and morning with my tears;

And I sunned it with smiles,

And with soft deceitful wiles.



And it grew both day and night,

Till it bore an apple bright;

And my foe beheld it shine,

And he knew that it was mine,



And into my garden stole

When the night had veil'd the pole:

In the morning, glad, I see

My foe outstretch'd beneath the tree.