Eloisa to Abelard

Canst thou forget that sad, that solemn day,

When victims at yon altar's foot we lay?

Canst thou forget what tears that moment fell,

When, warm in youth, I bade the world farewell?

As, with cold lips I kiss'd the sacred veil,

The shrines all trembled, and the lamps grew pale:

Heav'n scarces believ'd the conquest it survey'd,

And saints with wonder heard the vows I made.

Yet then, to those dread altars as I drew,

Not on the Cross my eyes were fix'd, but you:

Not grace, or zeal, love only was my call,

And if I lose thy love, I lose my all.

Come! with thy looks, thy words, relieve my woe;

Those still at least are left thee to bestow.

Still on that breast enamour'd let me lye,

Still drink delicious poison from thy eye,

Pant on thy lip, and to thy heart be press'd;

Give all thou canst——and let me dream the rest,

Ah, no! instruct me other joys to prize,

With other beauties charm my partial eyes.

Full in my view set all the bright abode,

And make my soul quit Abelard for God.