Classic Poem

If in those hours when soul and body mated
In that wild passion which may not endure—
If in those hours so fervent and so fated,
I loved you with emotions not all pure,
Yet even then the mortal man was never
So dear as was the grandeur of his heart.
And now I love you, and shall love forever,
Though earthly joys no more may play their part.
Since in the cloister I am shut with reason,
Persuade me with devotion to remain.
In our communion there can lurk no treason;
You caused my sorrows, now relieve my pain.
At your command I chose this hated lot:
Console me sometimes with a spoken thought.