(1863) Bereft of youth , though young ; confined , yet free ; However lovely , loving nor beloved ; Pious , not virtuous ; saint , yet disapproved ; What can a cloister ' s desert offer thee ? What made you shave the ringlets from this brow , Beauty did form to kiss thy snowy neck ? If gold and silk were fond thy limbs to deck , Why does a woollen garb disgrace them now ? 2 .Thou thornless Rose , bethink thee , was it well To shun the shade of this delightful bower ? The zephyr did not meekly fan thy flower , But had a claim to its luxurious smell .Thou ' rt earthly - and desir ' st the peace of heaven ? Thou ' rt human - and expect ' st celestial bliss ? A sinner - and pretend ' st to holiness , A christian - and thou deem ' st such pride forgiven ? 3 .