Why, having won her, do I woo?
Because her spirit's vestal grace
Provokes me always to pursue,
But, spirit-like, eludes embrace.
Source: The Angel in the House, Bk ii. 12, Prelude 1
-- Coventry Patmore, (Jul 23 1823-1896), English poet, critic; His works include The Angel in the House and The Unknown Eros.