Yes, I could trust, forever and a day, <br />Thy constant heart to any worldling's wiles, <br />Surround thy senses with the lies and guiles <br />That hiss and gender in the truth's decay. <br />I know the nature of thy taintless clay, <br />The mystic candor of thy vestal smiles <br />Thy soul of fire, consuming what defiles, <br />Yet, flame-pure, mounting on its heavenly way. <br />Why should thy breath of precious spice and myrrh, <br />Devour the sin and garbage of the land, <br />Serving the purpose of the hangman's brand? <br />No; let me find some nobler use for her, <br />Build her a temple, far from public stir, <br />And by her altar take my public stand.<br /><br />George Henry Boker<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-clxx/
