ONE loves me though his homage I disdain; And one for whom I languish mocks my smile. To double torment thus doth pride beguile. And make me loathe and love at once in vain; On him who honors casting wanton stain, And hazarding to be esteemed vile By wooing where I am not sought, the while I waste the patience of a gentler swain. So must I fear despite to my good fame; For here with vanity, with conscience there, My blushing cheeks betray my needless shame: 'Tis I am guilty towards this guiltless pair. For shame! to court a light-love's woeful name, And leave an earnest lover to despair. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE AEOLIAN HARP by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE LIFE [AND THE FLOWERS] by GEORGE HERBERT THE WATER-LILY by JOHN BANISTER TABB THE MEDITATION OF THE OLD FISHERMAN by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS A FINE DAY ON LOUGH SWILLY by WILLIAM ALEXANDER (1824-1911) SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 19. THE SOUTHERN PASSION by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) SONNET: ONE MORE BRUISED HEART by LOUISA SARAH BEVINGTON |