Coquette et Froide

By Julia Ward Howe

What is thy thought of me?

What is thy feeling?

Lov'st thou the veil of sense,

Or its revealing?

Leav'st thou the maiden rose

Drooping and blushing,

Or rend'st its bosom with

Kissing and crushing?

I would be beautiful

That thou should'st woo me,

Gentle, delightsome, but

To draw thee to me.

Yet should thy longing eye

Ever caress me,

And quickened Fantasy

Only, possess me,

Thus thy heart's highest need

Long would I cherish,

Lest its more trivial wish

Pall, and then perish.

Would that Love's fond pursuit

Were crownèd never,

Or that his virgin kiss

Lasted for ever!