Philomela | ||
122
PLATONIC LOVE.
I
So Angels Love! and all the rest is Dross;Contracted, selfish, sensitive and gross.
Unlike to This, all free and unconfin'd,
Is That bright Flame I bear thy brighter Mind.
II
No stragling Wish, or Symptom of Desire,Comes near the Limits of this Holy Fire;
Yet 'tis intense and active, tho' so fine,
For all my pure Immortal Part is Thine.
III
Why shou'd I then the Heav'nly Spark controul,Since there's no brighter Ray in all my Soul,
Why shou'd I blush t'indulge the Noble Flame,
For which e'en Friendship's a degrading Name.
123
IV
Nor is the Greatness of my Love to Thee,A Sacrilege unto the Deity,
Can I th' enticing Stream almost adore,
And not respect its lovely Fountain more?
Philomela | ||