Elizabeth it is in vain you say
‘Love not’ – thou sayest it in so sweet a way:
In vain those words from thee or L. E. L.
Zantippe’s talents had enforced so well:
Ah! if that language from thy heart arise,
Breathe it less gently forth – and veil thine eyes.
Endymion, recollect, when Luna tried
To cure his love – was cured of all beside-
His folly – pride – and passion – for he died.
– An Acrostic by Edgar Allan Poe