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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WHY: A SONNET by JOHN GODFREY SAXE

First Line: WHY DO I LOVE THEE?' THUS, IN EARNEST WISE
Last Line: ALL ELSE, BECAUSE I CANNOT CHOOSE BUT LOVE!
Subject(s): LOVE;

"WHY do I love thee?" Thus, in earnest wise,
I answer: Sweet! I love thee for thy face
Of rarest beauty; and for every grace
That in thy voice and air and motion lies;
I love thee for the love-look in thine eyes, --
The melting glance which only one may see
Of all who mark how beautiful they be;
I love thee for thy mind (which yet denies,
For modesty, how wonderful it is)!
I love thee for thy heart so true and warm,
I love thee for thy bosom's hidden charm;
I love thee for thy mouth so sweet to kiss;
Because of these I love thee; yet above
All else, because I cannot choose but love!



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