Little Lad of the Tricks

1] Little lad of the tricks,
2] Full well I know
3] That you have been in mischief:
4] Confess your fault truly.
5] I forgive you, child
6] Of the soft red mouth:
7] I will not condemn anyone
8] For a sin not understood.
9] Raise your comely head
10] Till I kiss your mouth:
11] If either of us is the better of that
12] I am the better of it.
13] There is a fragrance in your kiss
14] That I have not found yet
15] In the kisses of women
16] Or in the honey of their bodies.
17] Lad of the grey eyes,
18] That flush in thy cheek
19] Would be white with dread of me
20] Could you read my secrets.

21] He who has my secrets
22] Is not fit to touch you:
23] Is not that a pitiful thing,
24] Little lad of the tricks ?