You, Madam, may, with safety go <br />Decrees of destiny to know; <br />For at your birth kind planets reign'd, <br />And certain happiness ordain'd: <br />Such charms as yours are only given <br />To chosen favourites of Heaven. <br />But such is my uncertain state <br />'Tis dangerous to try my fate; <br />For I would only know from art <br />The future motions of your hert, <br />And what predestinated doom <br />Attends my love for years to come, <br />No secrets else that mortals learn <br />My cares deserve, or life concern; <br />But this will so important be <br />I dread to search the dark decree; <br />For while the smallest hope remains <br />Faint joys are mingled with my pains. <br />Vain distant views my fancy please, <br />And give some intermitting ease; <br />But should the stars too plainly show <br />That you have doom'd my endless wo, <br />No human force or art could bear <br />The torment of my wild despair. <br />This secret then I dare not know, <br />And other truths are useless now. <br />What matters if, unbless'd in love, <br />How long or short my life will prove? <br />To gratify what low desire <br />Should I with needless haste inquire, <br />How great how wealthy I shall be? <br />Oh, what is wealth or power to me! <br />If I am happy or undone, <br />It must proceed from you alone.<br /><br />Matthew Prior<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-a-young-lady-who-was-fond-of-fortune-telling/
