Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Ella DietzGlynes

1183 Unless

O TOUCH me not, unless thy soul

Can claim my soul as thine;

Give me no earthly flowers that fade,

No love, but love divine:

For I gave thee immortal flowers,

That bloomed serene in heavenly bowers.

Look not with favor on my face,

Nor answer my caress,

Unless my soul have first found grace

Within thy sight; express

Only the truth, though it should be

Cold as the ice on northern sea.

O never speak of love to me,

Unless thy heart can feel

That in the face of Deity

Thou wouldst that love reveal:

For God is love, and His bright law

Should find our hearts without one flaw.