An Acrostic by Edgar Allan Poe
‘An Acrostic’ was written by Poe for one of his “female admirers,” presumably named Elizabeth. It is this name that is spelled out by the nine letters that start the nine lines. The poem was not published until after Poe’s death. It was discovered and added into a 1911 edition of Poe’s works.
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.
