By Julia Ward Howe
What is thy thought of me? What is thy feeling? Lov’st thou the veil of sense, Or its revealing? Leav’st thou the maiden rose Drooping and blushing, Or rend’st its bosom with Kissing and crushing? I would be beautiful That thou should’st woo me, Gentle, delightsome, but To draw thee to me. Yet should thy longing eye Ever caress me, And quickened Fantasy Only, possess me, Thus thy heart’s highest need Long would I cherish, Lest its more trivial wish Pall, and then perish. Would that Love’s fond pursuit Were crownèd never, Or that his virgin kiss Lasted for ever!