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Negative Love.
I never stoop'd so low, as they
Which on an eye, cheek, lip, can prey,
Seldome to them which soar no higher
Then virtue, or the mind t'admire;
For sense, and understanding may
Know what gives fuell to their fire:
My love, though silly, is more brave,
For may I miss, when ere I crave,
If I know yet what I would have.
If that be simply perfectest
Which can by no means be exprest
But Negatives, my love is so.
To all, which all love, I say no.
If any who deciphers best,
What we know not, (our selves) can know,
Let him teach me that nothing. This
As yet my ease, and comfort is,
Though I speed not, I cannot miss.
The Prohibition.
Take heed of loving me,
At least remember, I forbad it thee;
Not that I shall repay in unthrifty a wast,
Of Breath and Bloud, upon thy sighs and tears:
By being to thee then what to me thou wast,
But, so great Joy, our life at once outwears:
Then, lest thy love, by my death frustrate be,
If thou love me, take heed of loving me.

[CW: Take]