I DARE not worship Love, whose warm hands hold

The true immortal worth of mortal breath,

And every deathless beauty this side death,

And seeds wherein are hidden manifold

Spring's promise, summer's glory, autumn's gold--

I dare not, for so many voices say,

"I am the Mighty Love thou must obey--

The Love thy dreams foreshadowed, and foretold."

I thirst for love, and yet I dare not slake

My thirst at his cool fountain's singing flow;

I long to love, and yet I dare not stake

Eternal happiness upon one throw;

I dare not, nay, I dare for thy sweet sake;

Then prithee love me who have loved thee so!