She gave me all that woman can,
Nor her soul’s nunnery forego,
A confidence that man to man
Without remorse can never show.
Rare art, that can the sense refine
Till not a pulse rebellious stirs,
And, since she never can be mine,
Makes it seem sweeter to be hers!
(James Russell Lowell)
More Poetry from James Russell Lowell:
James Russell Lowell Poems based on Topics: Sense & Perception, Art, Confidence- Fitz Adam's Story (James Russell Lowell Poems)
- Heartsease And Rue: Friendship (James Russell Lowell Poems)
- Mr. Hosea Biglow's Speech In March Meeting (James Russell Lowell Poems)
- Birdofredum Sawin; Esq., To Mr. Hosea Biglow (2) (James Russell Lowell Poems)
- Under The Old Elm (James Russell Lowell Poems)
- Birdofredum Sawin, Esq., To Mr. Hosea Biglow (1) (James Russell Lowell Poems)