What is thy thought of me? <br /> What is thy feeling? <br /> Lov'st thou the veil of sense, <br /> Or its revealing? <br /> Leav'st thou the maiden rose <br /> Drooping and blushing, <br /> Or rend'st its bosom with <br /> Kissing and crushing? <br /> I would be beautiful <br /> That thou should'st woo me, <br /> Gentle, delightsome, but <br /> To draw thee to me. <br /> Yet should thy longing eye <br /> Ever caress me, <br /> And quickened Fantasy <br /> Only, possess me, <br /> Thus thy heart's highest need <br /> Long would I cherish, <br /> Lest its more trivial wish <br /> Pall, and then perish. <br /> <br /> Would that Love's fond pursuit <br /> Were crownèd never, <br /> Or that his virgin kiss <br /> Lasted for ever!<br /><br />Julia Ward Howe<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/coquette-et-froide/
