Negative Love / John Donne

I NEVER stoop'd so low, as they 
Which on an eye, cheek, lip, can prey ;
Seldom to them which soar no higher 
Than virtue, or the mind to admire. 
For sense and understanding may 
Know what gives fuel to their fire ; 
My love, though silly, is more brave ; 
For may I miss, whene'er I crave, 
If I know yet what I would have. 
If that be simply perfectest,
Which can by no way be express'd 
But negatives, my love is so. 
To all, which all love, I say no. 
If any who deciphers best, 
What we know not—ourselves—can know, 
Let him teach me that nothing. This 
As yet my ease and comfort is, 
Though I speed not, I cannot miss.

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