Classic Poem

Think not I love thee — by my word I do not!
Think not I love thee — for thy love I sue not!
And yet, I fear, there's hardly one that weareth
Thy beauty's chains, who like me for thee careth!
Who joys like me when in thy joy believing —
Who like me grieves when thou dost seem but grieving?
But, though I charms so perilous eschew not,
Think not I love thee — trust me that I do not!

Think not I love thee! — pr'ythee why so coy, then?
Doth it thy maiden bashfulness annoy, then?
Sith the heart's homage still will be up-welling,
Where Truth and Goodness have so sweet a dwelling?
Surely, unjust one, I were less than mortal,
Knelt I not thus before that temple's portal.
Others dare to love thee — dare what I do not —
Then let me worship, bright one, while I woo not!