Mythology & Folklore

Lilis

by Helen Hay Whitney 1875–1944

From Gypsy Verses (1907)

Mythology & Folklore

We have forgiven you because you are so fair,
Eloquent by virtue of your dark enchanting eyes,
Evil to your heart of hearts, shall we blame or care,
You are very beautiful, and love has made you wise.

With a splendid insolence you exist to sin,
Scorn us for the weaknesses that bring us to our pain.
Weak you are and false you are and never may we win,
Yet we have forgiven you, and shall forgive again.

MLA

Whitney, Helen Hay. “Lilis.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/whitney_hh/130/.

Chicago

Whitney, Helen Hay. “Lilis.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/whitney_hh/130/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

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