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AFTER THE PAINTINGS BY
Yet come no nearer! Shouldst thou pass this door,
My heart that so importunes thee would break.
Go back a little! for compassion's sake,
Go back! and hither—ah, return no more!
In vain, in vain! O awful Majesty!
Thy very breath appalls my fluttering heart.
Invader dread, what strength have I, or art—
What, save my anguish, to oppose 'gainst thee? . . .
Enter! the door is open. Yet thus much
Let my submission of thy pity earn:
When through the shaded portal thou return,
On me—me, also, lay thy easeful touch!
