Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
The NunLeigh Hunt (1784–1859)
I
A friar I will be;
In any cell you run, dear,
Pray look behind for me.
The roses all turn pale, too;
The doves all take the veil, too;
The blind will see the show.
What! you become a nun, my dear?
I’ll not believe it, no!
The bishop Love will be;
The Cupids every one, dear,
Will chant ‘We trust in thee’.
The incense will go sighing,
The candles fall a-dying,
The water turn to wine;
What! you go take the vows, my dear?
You may—but they’ll be mine!