E’en so when strong men seize their soul’s desire.
Rend not with ruthless hand the lily’s bell,
To gather all its sweetness at a breath;
Spill not the pearl deep in its bosom’s cell,
The crystal gift Aurora’s tears bequeath.
So shall a delicate perfume be thine,
Through all the weary hours of day’s decline.
The gentlest spirits of the earth and air—
Sweet mysteries to ruder men unknown—
Will yield delights as delicate as rare,