LOVE NOT TOO MUCH

by: Bernard Gilbert

AVE you too greatly loved?

Sister, take warning!

Once let your soul be moved,

Sable your mourning;

If he be satiate,

Then an ingratiate,

Waiteth the dawning.

 

Shew not the passion

That stirs in your veins,

Far more alluring

To handle the reins,

His love ensuring. . . .

In masculine fashion

If certain--he wanes.

 

He the pursuer

Must ever press on,

Passionate wooer

Whilst you are a stone;

Shew but a touch,

Yet never too much

And the battle is won.

 

Man is a monster

Made to be stroked,

Close then your arms

Cover your charms;

Great the enticement

Of beauties when hidden,

Of passion well cloaked.

 

Crazed, he shall plead,

For what you yield gladly,

Fiercer his greed,

For what you give madly;

You may have measure

And still hold your treasure. . . .

Sister, take heed!

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