IF I have studied here in part A tale as old as maiden's heart, 'Tis that I do see herein Shadow of more piteous sin. She, that but giving part, not whole, Took even the part back, is the Soul: And that so disdained Lover -- Best unthought, since Love is over. Love to invite, desire, and fear, And Love's exactions, cost too dear Count for Love's possession, -- ah, Thy way, @3misera Anima!@1 To give the pledge, and yet be pined That a pledge should have force to bind, This, O Soul, too often still Is the recreance of thy will! Out of Love's arms to make fond chain, And, because struggle bringeth pain, Hate Love for Love's sweet constraint, Is the way of Souls that faint. Such a Soul, for saddest end, Finds Love the foe in Love the friend; And -- ah, grief incredible! -- Treads the way of Heaven, to Hell. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE IMPOSSIBLE INDISPENSIBILITY OF THE ARS POETICA by HAYDEN CARRUTH A SPIRIT PASSED BEFORE ME by GEORGE GORDON BYRON ON AN INFANT WHICH DIED BEFORE BAPTISM by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE ON SENESIS' MUMMY by LEONIE ADAMS THE FOUR ZOAS: NIGHTS THE SEVENTH AND EIGHTH by WILLIAM BLAKE |