Coventry Patmore (1823–1896)

I.CONSTANCY

I VOW’D unvarying faith; and she,

To whom in full I pay that vow,

Rewards me with variety

Which men who change can never know.

II.SHAME

THE WRONG is made and measured by

The right’s inverted dignity.

Change love to shame, as love is high

So low in hell your bed shall be.

III.ATTAINMENT

YOU love? That ’s high as you shall go:

For ’tis as true as Gospel text,

Not noble then is never so,

Either in this world or the next.

IV.SENSUALITY

WHO pleasure follows pleasure slays;

God’s wrath upon himself he wreaks;

But all delights rejoice his days

Who takes with thanks and never seeks.

V.COURTESY

LOVE’S perfect blossom only blows

Where noble manners veil defect.

Angels may be familiar; those

Who err each other must respect.