XV
Reading edition
DOST have no heart, sweet one, to visibly Perceive the romance of my life’s desire, To formally within thy breast inspire That reverence for love, which is to me The holiest element ’twixt those who see The spiritual, earthly things attire? Thus, in my longing soul, I would aspire To capture thy fair being finally. Ah! may that day be mine, before life’s morning Ends, all too soon, the power to attain By physical endearment thy sweet soul: Thy heart my own, and mine thy life adorning With all the gifts of love, that appertain To the ideal of love’s own sacred goal!