Eloisa to Abelard

"I view my crime, but kindle at the view, Repent old pleasures, and solicit new; Now turnd to heavn, I weep my past offence, Now think of thee, and curse my innocence. Of all affliction taught a lover yet, Tis sure the hardest science to forget! How shall I lose the sin, yet keep the sense, And love th offender, yet detest th offence? How the dear object from the crime remove, Or how distinguish penitence from love? Unequal task! a passion to resign, For hearts so touchd, so piercd, so lost as mine. Ere such a soul regains its peaceful state, How often must it love, how often hate! How often hope, despair, resent, regret, Conceal, disdain,—do all things but forget."

"Now warm in love, now withring in my bloom, Lost in a convents solitary gloom!"

"Not grace, or zeal, love only was my call, And if I lose thy love, I lose my all."

"How oft, when pressd to marriage, have I said, Curse on all laws but those which love has made! Love, free as air at sight of human ties, Spreads his light wings, and in a moment flies."

"Oh name forever sad! forever dear! Still breathed in sighs, still ushered with a tear."

"How happy is the blameless vestals lot! The world forgetting, by the world forgot. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind! Each prayr accepted, and each wish resignd..."