Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (18331908). A Victorian Anthology, 18371895. 1895. |
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Salopia Inhospitalis |
| Douglas B. W. Sladen (b. 1856) |
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TOUCH not that maid: | |
She is a flower, and changeth but to fade. | |
Fragrant is she, and fair | |
As any shape that haunts this lower air; | |
In form as graceful and as free | 5 |
As honeysuckles and the lilies be; | |
Insensible, and shrinking from caress | |
As flowers, which you peril when you press. | |
Gaze not on her; | |
She is a being of another sphere. | 10 |
Brilliant is she, and bright | |
As any star illuminate at night; | |
Of stuff as sober and as fine | |
As hers whose glory through the moon doth shine; | |
Unliker to come down to this thy love | 15 |
Than any orb that s fixed for aye above. | |
Heed her no more: | |
She is a gem whose heart thou canst not bore; | |
Glistering is she, and grand | |
As any stone that decks a monarchs hand; | 20 |
In face as free from flaw or stain | |
As diamond from mine, or pearl from main: | |
But she thy fire and fever never felt, | |
For adamant can neither waste nor melt. | |
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