English poem
II.— RACHEL.
by Coventry Kersey Dighton Patmore (1823–1896)
You loved her, and would lie all night Thinking how beautiful she was, And what to do for her delight. Now both are bound with alien laws! Be patient; put your heart to school; Weep if you will, but not despair; The trust that nought goes wrong by rule Should ease this load the many bear. Love, if there's heav'n, shall meet his dues, Though here unmatch'd, or match'd amiss; Meanwhile, the gentle cannot choose But learn to love the lips they kiss. Ne'er hurt the homely sister's ears With Rachel's beauties; secret be The lofty mind whose lonely tears Protest against mortality.