T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
Love Not Too Much
By Bernard Gilbert (18821927)(From Rebel Verses, 1918) |
HAVE you too greatly loved? | |
Sister take warning! | |
Once let your soul be moved, | |
Sable your mourning; | |
If he be satiate, | 5 |
Then an ingratiate, | |
Waiteth the dawning. | |
Shew not the passion | |
That stirs in your veins, | |
Far more alluring | 10 |
To handle the reins, | |
His love ensuring…. | |
In masculine fashion | |
If certain—he wanes. | |
He the pursuer | 15 |
Must ever press on, | |
Passionate wooer | |
Whilst you are a stone; | |
Shew but a touch, | |
Yet never too much | 20 |
And the battle is won. | |
Man is a monster | |
Made to be stroked, | |
Close then your arms | |
Cover your charms; | 25 |
Great the enticement | |
Of beauties when hidden, | |
Of passion well cloaked. | |
Crazed, he shall plead, | |
For what you yield gladly, | 30 |
Fiercer his greed, | |
For what you give madly; | |
You may have pleasure | |
And still hold your treasure…. | |
Sister, take heed! | 35 |