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

By John LancasterSpalding

762 Forepledged

O WOMAN, let thy heart not cleave

To any poet’s soul;

For he the muse will never leave,

But follow to life’s goal.

Then trust him not, he is not thine,

Whate’er he seems to be;

Strong unseen tendrils round him twine,

And keep him still from thee.

His words with passion are athrill,

And bear contagious fire;

He knows the charmer’s perfect skill

To wake the heart’s desire.

But love him not, his love is woe;

The genius at his side

Would prove for thee a fatal foe

Wert thou his wedded bride.