Eloisa to Abelard

How happy is the blameless Vestal's lot?

The world forgetting, by the world forgot:

Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind!

Each pray'r accepted, and each wish resign'd;

Labour and rest, that equal periods keep,

'Obedient slumbers that can wake and weep;

Desires compos'd, affections ever even;

Tears that delight, and sighs that waft to heav'n.

Grace shines around her with serenest beams,

And whisp'ring angels prompt her golden dreams,

For her the house prepares the bridal ring,

For her white virgins hymeneals sing,

For her th' unfading rose of Eden blooms,

And wings of seraphs shed divine perfumes;

To sounds of heavenly harps she dies away,

And melts in visions of eternal day.

Far other dreams my erring soul employ,

Far other raptures of unholy joy: