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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FORBIDDEN LOVE by BRYAN WALLER PROCTER

First Line: I LOVE THEE! OH, THE STRIFE, THE PAIN
Last Line: UNLESS -- THOU READST ARIGHT MY SONG!
Subject(s): LOVE;

I LOVE thee! Oh, the strife, the pain,
The fiery thoughts that through me roll!
I love thee! Look -- again, again!
O stars! that thou couldst read my soul:
I would thy bright bright eye could pierce
The crimson folds that hide my heart;
Then wouldst thou find the serpent fierce
That stings me -- and will @3not@1 depart!

Look love upon me, with thine eyes!
Yet, no -- men's evil tongues are nigh:
Look pity, then, and with thy sighs
Waste music on me -- till I die!
Yet, love not! sigh not! Turn (thou @3must@1)
Thy beauty from me, sweet and kind;
'T is fit that I should burn to dust --
To death: because -- I am not blind!

I love thee -- and I live! The moon
Who sees me from her calm above,
The wind who weaves her dim soft tune
About me, know how @3much@1 I love!
Naught else, save night and the lonely hour,
E'er heard my passion wild and strong;
Even @3thou@1 yet deem'st not of thy power,
Unless -- thou readst aright my song!



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