Anticipation

How shall it profit me to love thee so?
What shall I gain for all my love, save tears,
To make more grievous still my grievous years?
Or shall the bliss of half a year ago
Comfort my spirit, when it comes to know
How all breath-taking hopes, all joyous fears.
Are buried deep where no man sees or hears.
While on their grave no glr.ddening blossoms blow?

Before this fatal love o'erwhelm me quite.
Be something different, sweet, to what thou art;
Alter, or hide thy beauty from my sight.
Reverse thy nature, or release my heart;
Let not grief gather strength by long delay:
O love, what thou hast made canst thou not slay?