Coventry Patmore

"The bliss which woman's charms bespeak, "I've sought in many, found in none!" "In many 'tis in vain you seek "What can be found in only one."

A woman is a foreign land.

"I saw you take his kiss!" "'Tis true." "O, modesty!" "'Twas strictly kept: He thought me asleep; at least, I knew He thought I thought he thought I slept."

The beauty in her lover's eyes Was admiration of her own.

What seems to us for us is true. The planet has no proper light, And yet when Venus is in view, No primal star is half so bright.

The moods of love are like the wind, And none know whence or why they rise.

I drew my bride, beneath the moon, Across my threshold; happy hour! But, ah, the walk that afternoon We saw the water-flags in flower!

Love wakes men, once a lifetime each; They lift their heavy lids, and look; And, lo, what one sweet page can teach, They read with joy, then shut the book.

Kind souls, you wonder why, love you, When you, you wonder why, love none. We love, Fool, for the good we do, Not that which unto us is done!

How amiable and innocent Her pleasure in her power to charm!

Ah, wasteful woman, she who may On her sweet self set her own price, Knowing man cannot choose but pay, How has she cheapen'd paradise; How given for nought her priceless gift, How spoil'd the bread and spill'd the wine,

Strong passions mean weak will, and he Who truly knows the strength and bliss Which are in love, will own with me No passion but a virtue 'tis.

Grant me the power of saying things Too simple and too sweet for words!