Xi

And therefore if to love can be desert, I am not all unworthy. Cheeks as pale As these you see, and trembling knees that fail To bear the burden of a heavy heart,-- This weary minstrel-life that once was girt To climb Aornus, and can scarce avail To pipe now 'gainst the valley nightingale A melancholy music,--why advert To these things ? O Beloved, it is plain I am not of thy worth nor for thy place ! And yet, because I love thee, I obtain From that same love this vindicating grace, To live on still in love, and yet in vain,-- To bless thee, yet renounce thee to thy face.