Classic Poem

Let me forget! Why should I seek to hold
Thine image in the mirror of my mind?
For him who can no way to please thee find
To house such tenant were indeed too bold —
Let me forget!

Do I not know the magic of that smile;
The way that wayward color comes and goes,
Fair Lady of the Lily and the Rose,
What time the souls of men thou would'st beguile:
Do I not know?

Thou shalt not reign, proud Queen, in this poor heart;
No rash oath of allegiance will I swear —
Though thou art beautiful beyond compare,
Thine art is nature, and thy nature art —
Thou shalt not reign!

And yet, and yet — how can I close my door?
It may be thou art weary and acold: —
Come in! Come in! To welcome thee is bold;
But work thy will — I am thy slave once more —
And yet! And yet!