English poem
IV.— NEAREST THE DEAREST.
by Coventry Kersey Dighton Patmore (1823–1896)
Till Eve was brought to Adam, he A solitary desert trod, Though in the great society Of nature, angels, and of God. If one slight column counterweighs The ocean, 'tis the Maker's law, Who deems obedience better praise Than sacrifice of erring awe.