LOVE.
I.
Love is it, Love divine, that hath an impulse lent
To man, and beast, and worm, and every element.
II.
All riddles Love can solve, all mysteries unfold;
Ask what thou wilt, and Love the answer will present.
III.
I asked the circling heavens why they so swiftly moved:
Round Love’s eternal throne they ever wheeling went.
IV.
I asked the waves what made their murmurs never cease:
Shall we in Love’s great hymn with silence be content?
V.
I asked the bickering fire when it would climb no more:
When with the fire above in Love’s communion blent.
VI.
Night asked I why she hung the world with darkness round:
To consecrate the world for Love a bridal tent.
VII.
I asked the Westwind why it breathed so soft and warm:
All roses to unfold for Love the Westwind meant.
VIII.
I sought for some escape from the labyrinth of Love;
And found my bliss was there to be for ever pent.
IX.
O soul, that until now hast sullenly refused
Thy portion in Love’s joy, O sullen heart, relent;
X.
Oh! see Love’s mighty dance, oh! hear its choral hymn;
Stand up—in dance and hymn to take thy part consent.