15/6/1959 You once did say...

You once did say
That you could not say 'no'
To anyone. To question this
Would be impertinence for me
Who gladly would say many things
If you'd agree, but I
Want only that which cannot be
And mere agreement would not do.
But if, for once, in charity
You would say 'no' to me
When I write things you do not like
(However great my misery)
I would not venture so again
For, whate're you say, my only aim
Is but to please
Although it cost me more
Than I might care to say.

15/6/1959