Edna St. Vincent Millay

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Sonnet 73

Fatal Interview
iv   
Nay, learnèd doctor, these fine leeches fresh From the pond's edge my cause cannot remove: Alas, the sick disorder in my flesh Is deeper than your skill, is very love. And you, good friar, far liefer would I think Upon my dear, and dream him in your place, Than heed your ben'cites and heavenward sink With empty heart and noddle full of grace. Breathes but one mortal on the teeming globe Could minister to my soul's or body's needs — Physician minus physic, minus robe; Confessor minus Latin, minus beads. Yet should you bid me name him, I am dumb; For though you summon him, he would not come.