Slight as the sea's sight of the sea-mew,
⁠Slight as the sun's sight of the star:
Enough to show one must not deem you
⁠For love's sake other than you are.

Who snares and tames with fear and danger
⁠A bright beast of a fiery kin,
Only to mar, only to change her
⁠Sleek supple soul and splendid skin?

Easy with blows to mar and maim her,
⁠Easy with bonds to bind and bruise;
What profit, if she yield her tamer
⁠The limbs to mar, the soul to lose?

Best leave or take the perfect creature,
⁠Take all she is or leave complete;
Transmute you will not form or feature,
⁠Change feet for wings or wings for feet.