In arms and policy and books
Prince Victor was a Prince indeed.
Amanda, Princess of sweet looks,
Of such things had no heed.
But once, both acting in a Play,
Victor, who found it in his Part,
Gave the cold Maid, with all his heart,
A kiss which took her breath away;
And, thenceforth, they were hand and glove,
He Prince in arms, books, policy,
Prince of Amanda too, and she
A little, laughing flame of love.
Arms, policy and books must go,
He sigh'd, since she loves kisses so!
But she, his bee by honey caught,
Would only now her sweetness yield
For meed of arduous honour, sought
In Study, Parliament, or Field.
And ever thus from kisses grow
The thoughts that soar 'bove kisses so!
The Kiss
written byCoventry Kersey Dighton Patmore
© Coventry Kersey Dighton Patmore