Love

Philosopher

by Ralph Waldo Emerson 1803–1882

Love

Philosophers are lined with eyes within,
And, being so, the sage unmakes the man.
In love, he cannot therefore cease his trade;
Scarce the first blush has overspread his cheek,
He feels it, introverts his learned eye
To catch the unconscious heart in the very act.
His mother died,--the only friend he had,--
Some tears escaped, but his philosophy
Couched like a cat sat watching close behind
And throttled all his passion. Is't not like
That devil-spider that devours her mate
Scarce freed from her embraces?

MLA

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “Philosopher.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/emerson/182/.

Chicago

Emerson, Ralph Waldo. “Philosopher.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/emerson/182/.

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