The Silence of Love :: :: University of Virginia Library

“I may not love thee.” “May not!” but I do:
This is my title to the crown of love,—
A title which each heart-beat doth renew,—
A title ancient as the stars above.
“I may not love thee.” “May not!” but I must:
When Nature's mightiest forces are at play,
The ship, o'ermastered by the whirling gust,
Forgets its course and wanders far astray.
“I may not love thee.” “May not!” but I will:
My soul loves thine and glories in love's name,—
Itself its arbiter of good and ill,—

Itself the well-spring of its ardent flame.
I may not love thee, my Beloved! but still
Love thee I do, I must, I ever will.