It is not awe that holds one—'tis not love. Too friendly to be strange, yet strangely cold, Like Night, enfringed by steadfast stars above, She veils her beauty, lest one prove too bold. Divinity! Fain dare and venture far Who pleads a human longing to possess. But on her brow Pride set a barrier! Tho prodigal, what tribute proffer less Than love evoking love? Her pouting lips Are chastely silent, sweetly eloquent. The nectar of the gods no mortal sips Where only Jove himself commands consent! A Goddess she—no lesser loves enthrall, And humbly man remains devotional. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FRAGMENTS WRITTEN WHILE TRAVELING...A MIDWESTERN HEAT WAVE by JAMES GALVIN CHARLOTTE CORDAY (REVOLUTIONARY TRIBUNAL, JULY 17, 1793) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS DOMESDAY BOOK: AT NICE by EDGAR LEE MASTERS OCTAVES: 15 by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON |