781. Tempted by Edward Rowland Sill. Stedman, Edmund Clarence, ed. 1900. An American Anthology, 1787-1900

Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

781. Tempted

By Edward Rowland Sill


YES, I know what you say:
Since it cannot be soul to soul,
Be it flesh to flesh, as it may;
But is Earth the whole?

Shall a man betray the Past	5
For all Earth gives?
“But the Past is dead?” At last
It is all that lives.

Which were the nobler goal,—
To snatch at the moment’s bliss	10
Or to swear I will keep my soul
Clean for her kiss?