An Acrostic by Edgar Allan Poe | Poets.org

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.

An Acrostic

 

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,

Breath it less gently forth — and veil thine eyes.

Endymion, recollect, when Luna tried

To cure his love — was cured of all beside —

His follie — pride — and passion — for he died.

 

Poe‘s work as an editor, a poet, and a critic had a profound impact on American and international literature. His stories mark him as one of the originators of both horror and detective fiction. He was born on January 19, 1809.

 

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