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The Philosophy of Love. [A Plea in Defence of Virtue and Truth!] A Poem in Six Cantos, with Other Poems

Canto Fifth

“Philosophy of Love”: Page 96.

Canto Fifth.

Religion; Ocean; CommerceWhen from the bosom of ETERNITY,
Time first his course began, then forth he sped,
page 97“Philosophy of Love”: Page 97. On high commission, from the Great Supreme,
Upon a shoreless vast:—as ships would leave
Some port, and sail forth on the mighty deep,
With weight of merchandise, which commerce sends
To some far distant shore;—and ere he bore
The scythe and sandglass of all mortal fate;
His hands were full of blessings, scattering wide
The bounties of Jehovah, o’er the world;
While bearing garlands from the bowers of bliss,
For the adornment of all worthy ones’
As the rewards of virtue, aud of truth:
Such in themselves bore marks of heavenly joy,
And nothing had to mar! No adverse lot
Was mix’d up with those favours thus dispensed
Becoming Nature in her normal state;
Or Man in innocence, and holy Love!

Though now, the scythe and sandglass are enjoin’d
As part of Time’s commission, in their use,
He still a budget bears of mixed events,
As suiting ev’ry circumstance; from which,
He makes deliverance due, to one and all;
page 98“Philosophy of Love”: Page 98. To this, an Angel, minist’ring of joy,
He proves; to that, of vengeance, or of care,
According as appointed each his lot,
Or as their meeds demand. Religion; Future; Commerce; OceanSo, such shall aye
Be his employment, till his journey ends,
When He’s absorb’d into th’ ETERNITY
Of far Futurity; as when the ship
With all its freight is safely moor’d at length,
Within the destined haven of its rest!

How varied are the dispensations given
From out Time’s budget as he posts along:
To this, of love; to that, of much rebuke:
To some, of peace; to others, war and strife;
To this. a disappointment; joy, to that;—
To persons, and to nations, each their dues’
According as their merits mark their doom:
Thus, like a courier, makes he sure despatch
Of business, doing all his Sovereign’s will;—
And, who dare such gainsay?— What is the lot,
Whether or not expected, to us given,
We must take up instanter! Ere we know
page 99“Philosophy of Love”: Page 99. Its nature well, the messenger is off!
Far, far from our remonstrances, or thanks,
For that to us appointed. Change; Liberty; WorkShould some lot
On us, by man tyrannic, be imposed,
As not appointed of the Sovereign’s will;
A dispensation may to us be given,
Empow’ring us our liberty to work,
Or aught remove, which progress would impede,
If our advancement be the will of Heaven!
What otherwise is ours, our duty is
To make the best of what seems the reverse
Of all accounted good; as thereby’s shewn
Our virtue, and its nature; as ’twill shine
With such a brightness, which would best declare
One’s genuineness of soul!—Or what is good,
Must still improved be, as ’tis never will’d
Such should be held at discount; as such were
Incapable of being more advanced;
Or, thus our worthlessnsss would be declared
More loudly, than a trumpet’s sound can tell!

How blest are those, whose lot in love accords
page 100“Philosophy of Love”: Page 100. With all their hearts’ desires! It is, on earth,
One of the choicest blessings that befall
The human life; and is among the best
Of all the dispensations scatter’d round.
It often proves the basis, upon which
All goodly fortunes rise. Love; Family; HomeIn th’ humble cot,
Where dwell Contentment, Industry, and Peace,
Such, influenced by love, delight the heart,
More than the splendour which surrounds the great
Where love’s a stranger! Let the rich be proud
Of their surroundings; yet, such often prove
Mere trammels in enjoyment’s way; they give
But little consolation to the soul,
When press’d with cares; they rather much depress
Where sympathy’s required, and is not found;—
While love would prove the chief stay of the heart,
It bouying np, from being as submerged
’Mid overwhelming floods! The mind of man,
Beclouded with sad woes, is like the place
Where darkness reigns;—where spectres grim delight
To revel, the soul harassing with sad
page 101“Philosophy of Love”: Page 101. Temptations to its bane;—but let the light
Of love shine in, such darkness to dispel,
Then all is light and joy! Love; SufferingLove is the source
Whence many blessings spring, and flow along
One’s pilgrim path of life; as when the stream,
Which from the flinty rock flow’d at the call
Of Moses, at the mount, in Sinai’s wild,
And follow’d close, with an unfailing flow
By Israel’s journey’ngs to the “promised land,”
For their refreshment, comfort, and delight:---
So do those blessings, which from mutual love
Still take their rise, refresh the heart when faint
With worldly trials;—or, when sorrows come,
As sent, to make us feel “we’re not our own;”
Us bringing to our duty, when we’ve been
Neglectful, or have err’d; then comfort flows
From love’s exhaustless fountain, to rejoice
The heart, which else had been involved in woe!

Love’s blessings never single have been known;
They have their counterparts, and faithful all
Are to the tenour of the parent stock,
page 102“Philosophy of Love”: Page 102. As are the fruitful branches of a tree
Unto the healthy root, which life maintains:
So love-united hearts will ever prove
Unconquerable; and scarcely failure make
In any enterprize they undertake;
The one, the other will uphold, amid
Whatever trials may their lot befall,
Till o’er all dificulties stern, they rise
Triumphant; love the power that conquer’d all!
Thus, earthly blessings when to good account
They’re turn’d, they seem the emblem of that prize,
In Heav’n, awaiting faithful worthy ones.
And love maintain’d in sacredness. and truth,
Will prove the prelude of that holier kind,
Which best unites us to our Heav’nly Sire!
As His great Love all lesser loves attracts,
Whose natures seem the offspring of His own,
In truthful hearts maintain’d ’gainst worldly wiles,
So such attraction will be felt a prize,
An introduction to the bliss of Heaven!

Expectant youth awaiting Time’s approach,
page 103“Philosophy of Love”: Page 103. To know the lot that may upon him fall,
Must have recourse to nef’rous practices,
As fain to pierce into futurity,
Like Saul, through Endor’s Witch; rather than give
Good heed to present duty; as, to wait,
And watch, and be prepared to take that up
Which Providence appoints! How vain, indeed,
Such anxious care, and fraught so much with sin;
An insult to God’s wisdom, such contains!
No wonder than the prize, within one’s reach
Is lost, when he must reach beyond, and grasp
At that which proves at length a well earn’d curse;
A lot, of his own choosing, not bestowed!

Imagination; FutureWhat great mistakes are made when heedless youth
Must eagerly bland fancies conjure up,
Which fain he’d look on, as realities,
Much to be prized;—ah! then his fancied hopes
Have little of developement, while vague
His wishes are, unsteadfast in their aims.
Thus small perception has he of his needs;
And their pecuiar natuer, as might prompt
page 104“Philosophy of Love”: Page 104. Young reason to seek that, which best may prove
The blessing of his life, but passion strong
Would rule supreme o’er every other power,
Or faculty of mind, and so becloud
Young reason scarsely roused from dormant state
Whose thoughts are not yet muster’d to enquire
On both sides of the question, for the truth!—
When Prudence is not ask’d for its advice,
Most requisite, to prompt the true desire,
The soul’s expression,—yes, that inward voice
Of the affections, pleading for a gift
Of special worth, to correspond with that
Existing in the heart.— What special prize,
Can one expect, that’s ever void of aim,
However much he’d wish? No special gift
Sought after, all through want of knowledge true
Of his peculiar needs; so will he grasp
Aught of no real worth! Fancy meanwhile,
Through thonghtless novelty, may such esteem
A gift indeed, although at length ’twill prove
A scourge, him chast’niug [sic: chast’ning] out of all his dreams—
page 105“Philosophy of Love”: Page 105. While testifying ’gainst those passions strong,
To which he yielded in symplicity;
As when a bird, in fowler’s snare, is caught.
Thus, then it is, his eyes are open’d wide,
To all th’ importance of his real state;
When passion’s sober’d, and wild dreams dispell’d,
And in a sad reality appears
Quite the reverse of former cherish’d hopes;
Thus, making him dissatisfied, and grieved,
Both with himself, and such his crooked lot!

What though, fond youth’s by passions led astray,
—By passions, o’er which, Reason has no power,—
As he’s enticed by the attractive charms
Of her whose selfish cunning him beguiles;
Yes,—but beguiles;—who cares not how to make
Herself the chief companion of his heart;—
And though she may, self-satisfied, exult
In that acheivement o’er the lover gain’d:
’Tis not all gain that’s gotten by deceit!
For, as by Providence, ’tis so ordain’d
That Virtue ever proves its own reward;
page 106“Philosophy of Love”: Page 106. So, false love, in itself a curse will bear,
Like plague’s contagion, hid ’mong goods of trade,
To break forth soon, a devastating scourge!
As that dissatisfaction, in the heart
Of him deceived, will yet rebound, to cause
Much grief unthought of first, as the effects
Of counterfeited love; thus wrecking peace,
Where otherwise joy might have been the rule!

Society; PoetryAs illustration best the creed expounds,
So, be it given from the page of life.
Then mark the lot of him in wedded state,
Whose lo ing heart has easily been entrapp’d,
By the deceit of one, who gain’d her way
On his affections; as she would maintain
A shew of virtue, only to beguile,
Until the end desired, at length, was won!

Love; Family; HomeHe had a virtuous Mother; and a home
Which seem’d as ’twere a type of Heav’n on earth;
He felt a share of all his Father’s joy,
And ne’er saw ought but unanimity
Exist between them! Judging women all
page 107“Philosophy of Love”: Page 107. In married state were faithful to the truth,
In their domestic cares, creating joys:
With loving dispositions in their hearts,
Such; as his Mother in her prudence own’d;
If otherwise, much husbands were at fault.
He never dreamt that mean duplicity,
Opposed to open candour, would be theirs!—
That loving principle, within his heart,
Forbade uncharitable thoughts of those
For whom his heart with warm affections glow’d!
SocietyThus, easily attracted by one’s charms,
Of winning nature; and, of good report
In christian fellowship with Sunday-sohools,
Which much he loved: thus, with a shew of truth
So artfully maintain’d, he soon was won!

How soon all shew of virtue got transform’d!
And soon appear’d, what he could ne’er believe
Would in a woman’s heart exist;—contempt
Of all that’s lovely in domestic peace;
Or what makes home attractive! Thus appear’d
Her only aim, at first, was to get wed,
page 108“Philosophy of Love”: Page 108. Though conscious of the guile she on him play’d,
Despite what after consequence might be!
Her object gain’d, the loving victim bound;
Yet, how best to preserve that love she gain’d
Was no part of her study, or her aim.
Religion; SocietySelf-will’d and stubborn; for contentions, fond
The way of peace, a lesson never learn’d;
Or was forgot, in zeal, herself to prove
A worthy convert to the church of Rome,
In striving there to drive her husband too;
Whose better knowledge would such thoughts resist.
This was, throughout, the bone of endless strife;
On this, all other oppositions hinged,
As she the devil’s agent would enact,
To drive the victim-husband on to woe!
Thus, thoughtlessly, to love’s destruction prone,
Her nature seem’d; and to make pride supreme,
And chief thing to be gratified;—aye thus
She’d strive to rule her husband; and him make
Subservient to th’ ambitions of her heart!

The husband now considering his lot,
page 109“Philosophy of Love”: Page 109. Compared with what it else might have had been:
He feels as being a burden to himself,
All through the want of social sympathy,
Where ’tis expected:—yes he seems t’have had
A dispensation giv’n him, of a kind,
From Time’s great budget, which but ill accords
With former cherish’d hopes he had indulged.—
Bright fancy now is under an eclipse;
And Hope declares itself as much deceived:
Such state, how awkward! Love; Home; MoralityLove uncherish’d frets
Itself to sad vexation;—ill at ease,
His heart feels pain’d, —has no enjoyment, where
It ought to feel at home: it is not blest
With that repose it craves, when press’d with cares.
Can there his mind have rest? ’Tis apt to rove
To seek elsewhere what is not found at home,
At risk of sacrifising moral worth!
Such want of reciprocity, and peace,
Will often lead to dissipation’s woes;
No matter how degraded, when is lost
That self-respect, home-love could have sustain’d
page 110“Philosophy of Love”: Page 110. What can expected be from wand’ring thoughts,
That find no stay at home, to their regret?
Aye, such regret, reacting on the heart
Of the imprudent cause of all his woes.
’Thou shalt not covet,” is a wise command:
His cares would make him covet all that love,
He sees enjoy’d by others in their homes;
Such gives her grief, though working no reform,
Or small amendment from pernicious ways;
But rather jealousy’s heartburning scorn,
Which, viper-like, would on life’s vitals prey,
Although his virtue ne’er could be impugn’d!
’Tis thus false-love makes misery to itself;
As when “the wicked live not half their days!”

Can happiness, or can prosperity,
Be the result of such a state of mind,
As being jaded, and annoy’d abroad,
And discomposed through want of peace at home?
Society; Family; War; HomeWhere want of confidence prevails, and acts
The very poison of all social life?—
If civil war’s a curse to any land,
page 111“Philosophy of Love”: Page 111. So in a family is dissention’s rule:
While hard it is one’s virtue to maintain!
Yes, hard indeed’s his lot, who, thus beset,
Must ever be in armour:—still at war,
Not only with the world, as to defend
His interests, but at home to meet with scorn:
Sad recompence for all his toils and cares!
Such warfare, thus endured, sadly inflicts
Its baleful wounds, not only on his heart,
But also on his circumstances; as
Such warfare clogs his energies;—defeats
His plans for good;—it opens up a breach,
In some weak part, which concord best secures,
Of which, the world would mean advantage take,
And that to further sorrows!—In this case,
Can such be call’d a Home?—If there he dwells,
’Tis only through God’s grace upon his soul,
That such things he endures: meanwhile he feels
That parting with such sorrows would be sweet!

Love; Home; Liberty; Work; FriendshipBlest is the heart, in love, that’s satisfied;
And feels contented with the lot he owns:
page 112“Philosophy of Love”: Page 112. Who ne’er had cause to mourn a hapless lot,
Embraced in the companion of his choice!
The cares of life, though multiform and mix’d
Can then be coped with; master’d be with ease;
The mind at liberty is then prepared
To meet all worldly trials which occur;
And feel at ease, comparative, to know
He has a sympathizing friend at home;
In whom he can put confidence, as apt
To soothe, and mitigate all cares with love,—
Love’s sweet persuasive strains, which whisper peace,
Unto the aching heart, like that command,
Which still’d the stormy waves of Galilee!
Thus, Love its virtue proves! ’Tis truly blest
To be so circumstanced,—to have a home,
And in that home a loving, prudent heart
To make it his assylum, where his mind
Obtains repose,— a re-creative power,
To fit him to meet next day’s toils with ease!
That home’s his Castle no one dares assail,
So there he feels secure: and has no wish
page 113“Philosophy of Love”: Page 113. That wanders elsewhere to seek better cheer!
His heart is pleased; the dispensation given
Is to his mind; meanwhile he feels rejoiced
At happy future prospects; and his heart
Is full of praise to Him who has vouchsafed
His blessings thus! How blest is such a state!

Oh what a pow’r of influence exists
In woman, over man, for good or ill!
Though some may act the great Accuser’s part
In driving him to woe; and some may prove
Mere helpless ones. who, though no harm they do,
Can no good deed effect: but, others, yet
Will act the guardian Angel in their ways,
Of truthful love, improving much man’s weal!
An instance here, the Muse may now pourtray.

Ere Malcolm had got wed, his mind had been
Invested with a second nature, grown
By habit on him, as engrafted there;
Like worthless scion to a genuine tree!
He, fond of social joys, had got involved,
Yes, much involved, like many, ’gainst their weal,
page 114“Philosophy of Love”: Page 114. In questionable company, call’d “good,”
Of club companions, ’mid whom he rejoiced.

She, who had gain’d on his affections, fond,
When nature prompted him a wife to seek,
Was one, who had a heart with truth embued,
As well as prepossessing manners chaste,
With prudence; and had skill to exercise
What influence she o’er him could possess.—
Oft felt she griev’d at being left alone,
When he would wander out at evening, fain
As wont to join companions old, in club;
Such grief had more of pity, for his sake,
And habits grown upon him, hard to quit,
Than anger for neglect she thus endured!
She, rather than resent with thoughtless scorn
Such conduct, which her heart could not approve,
Would try to make her home attractive still:
And more so, conversation’s winning tone,
As when in courtship, she upon him gain’d.—
(Unlike some others’ who, when they’ve attain’d
The end desired, forget all winning ways!)—
page 115“Philosophy of Love”: Page 115. For, now she felt attractiveness must still
Be exercised; and more so, than when gain’d
Were his affections first, and since maintain’d.

This was a second courtship! As the first
Affected but herself in union’s aim;
So this affect must all her future weal
Of married life; which, therefore, must be won,
Won by the sweetness of that truthful love,
Which none but prudent hearts know how to use!
In sweet persuasive tones her voice she framed,
Which spoke more to his heart, than to his ear,
When offering her counsels; yet withal,
Avoiding all annoyance, or offence!
Thus, with a persevering, loving aim,
She so far o’er him gain’d, that he at length
Less frequent was at club; but still her task
Must further be accomplish’d; such indeed,
To prove the copestone of home’s happiness!

Society; Home; FriendshipOne night as by the fire he sat, rejoiced
At conversation’s sweetness, she employ’d,—
Not such, of pest’ring questions, which some use
page 116“Philosophy of Love”: Page 116. Yet gain no information from replies,
As information’s not the object sought,
But merely worthless twaddle; which oft glides
To something for dissention;—but her themes
Were to the mind engaging—cheerful tales
Of what she could remember of past days:
While he, in turn, would recollect such like
Of what she had advanced, and so rehearse
His part of entertainment, which rejoiced
His heart; in doing which, he proved this truth,
“How blest it is, to have a loving friend,
On whom, one can all confidence repose!”

Thus stole the hours along; a happy time
’Twas truly to them both; and as drew near
Retiring time, she introduced a change
Of subject, but in manner sweet, that snch
He could not well gainsay: it was, Love; Religion; Home; Society; Friendshipthat they
Should introduce God’s worship in their home.
At this, he first was silent; ’twas a theme
He had not yet consider’d; though in truth
He could not such condemn; but rather felt
page 117“Philosophy of Love”: Page 117. Unworthy to begin! But her soft voice
Held forth strong arguments, regarding his
Most worthiness of welcome to the throne;
The which, to doubt, was dangerous;—not t’assail
The ear with aught unpleasnt;—which had force
Upon his understanding; when at length,
She saw all opposition was witheld,—
An opposition rising from a sense
Of his unworthiness, which she dispell’d
In a most courteous manner; answering all
Objections with such tones which spoke of love!—
She rose, put past her work; with winning grace,
She brought the Bible, laid it on his knee,
And then sat down beside him, and her hand
She rested on his shoulder: “Do, my love!”
She said, while sweetly looking in his face,
On which hung hesitation’s sombre veil,
Which, to remove she gently thus proceeds:
“Let’s ask God’s blessing on our home and toils;
Thus, may we read a portion of His Truth,
And thereby learn how to express our pray’rs;
page 118“Philosophy of Love”: Page 118. You know we love each other; this will make
Our loves more perfect! As we blessings ask,
And such obtain, ’twill be like heav’n on earth;
His goodness thus promoting all our joys!
Or when we meet with cares, how good to know
We have a heav’nly Father, who has power
To help us in our troubles, when to Him
We turn for aid, for th’ asking, help He’ll give!
Yes, ’tis relief to make our sorrows known
To One who has all power to answer pray’r:
’Tis thus we Him acknowledge as our FRIEND;
And thus, our thankfulness is best express’d;
And thus, we render glory to our God!
By this, redoubled blessings may us cheer!
And, as our pray’rs united will ascend,
So will we find our union more complete!

Such sweet persuasive language had effect;
Her loving tones were music to his heart,
His countenance divesting of its vail;
He took the Book, and open’d at the place,
Where is pourtray’d the “prodigal’s return:”—
page 119“Philosophy of Love”: Page 119. As in a mirror one his image sees,
So, here he saw a picture of himself!
This lesson ne’er before so touch’d his heart,
As now it did, though oft before perused;
And much admired! And, when he knelt in pray’r,
His face he cover’d with his hands, and felt
Ashamed of past neglects; like him of old,
Who dared not lift his eyes to heaven, because
Of a deep sense of sin upon his soul!
In this, his first attempt, his words were few—
Mere broken sentences—with oft a pause
Between; as if he knew not how t’express
His thoughts aright,—his lab’ring thoughts, so full
Of import, coming from a heart sincere,
Which, much she qualified with love’s Amen!
Such pray’rs God best interprets; and their aims
Can fully understand,—aye more, than such
Of pharasaic pride:—for, when he rose,
He felt a joy imprest upon his heart,
A joy, above all joys the world can give!

Thus, prudence, and true love, united gain’d
page 120“Philosophy of Love”: Page 120. A vict’ry over prejudice. and pride,
—The ruling features of a careless soul;—
Where other means would have entirely fail’d!—
Thus, was her effort made, as when the man
With wither’d arm, in answering the command,
“Stretch forth thine hand!”—the effort then put forth
Obtain’d the blessing, in the limb revived;—
Her effort made could not be well withstood;
God’s grace assisting, entering his heart,
He yielded to her wishes full of faith;
And thus the family altar has got rear’d!
Thus, she with patient prudence, and good aim,
Her husband gain’d from many perverse ways;
And now she reaps, with a most thankful heart,
True Love’s best fruits, while cheerful is her home!

How well it is when fond affection’s such,
That, between parties, to each other pledged,
It ever is the same; while in such faith,
They walk together on through life, prepared
Alike for sunshine joys, or adverse things:
With faces Zion-ward, and both agreed
page 121“Philosophy of Love”: Page 121. To serve at the same altar, then they can
True fellowship enjoy; and then is seen
True love, in all its beauty, taking part
In eithers woes, or sharing either’s joys,
However small they be! Love; Family; JoyThus, hand in hand
Good company are they, as they pursue
Their pilgramage with cheer. Such mutual love
Is joy abounding in itself;—the bond
Of unity, that best secures their weal
Upon the way, while gladdening their hearts
With prospects bright, of never ending joy!
When hearts are so united, then be sure
Love’s expositions of all words and deeds.
Will greatly aid all trials to o’ercome!

How interesting is the aged pair:
To see them as together they have walk’d
In early days,—still close companions, as
When first they loved,—is pleasing to behold!
Love; WarLove, like the threefold cord, not easily broke,
Their hearts in strength uniting, has them bound,
And made incorp’rate: though with adverse things
page 122“Philosophy of Love”: Page 122. They may have battle’d in their way through life;
The world’s great warfare had them so engaged
To either’s welfare, that their lives are one:—
’Tis truly interesting! Such is quite
An admonition strong, that all may learn
The truth of love’s advantage in this life;
Its beauty shewing, charming to behold,
That all may aim its virtues to assume,
So that they may its rich fruitions gain!—
No matter what through life did them annoy
’Twas only like some momentary pain,
Which pass’d away: as on Time’s posting wings
’Twere borne along, in Lethe to be drown’d!
How blest, when ’midst the many cares of life
Love’s potency is not to be o’ercome!—
So, still to see them walk, as hand in hand,
As on life’s start, truth stampt upon their lives,
Is cheering to contemplate:— makes one feel
Its joy, as ’twere, reflected on the heart,
As when the rainbow on the dark cloud shines!—
Future; Past; ReligionThus, forward to life’s close, on earth, they look,
page 123“Philosophy of Love”: Page 123. —While no dissatisfaction with the past
Can vex them now:—cheer’d with the happy view
Of a more lasting union ’mong the blessed!

Love; ReligionBut for true love, what would the world become?
True love is heavenly bliss on earth: ev’n though
By carnal sense, which moon-eyed seems, ’tis not
In all its holiness of truth discern’d!
Yet, notwithstanding all the bliss it bears,
True love will have its trials; but, ev’n these
Are greatly like the raspings of a file
Upon black steel, when giving out its sheen,
By the removal of the outward dross!
Thus, trials give to true-love in the end
Much glory, as the sun’s refulgence is
Much brighter than the finest burnish’d gold!

But for true love, in its integrity,—
Although existing in minority;
Much like the righteous, Abraham pled for, when
Was purposed Sodom’s land to be destroy’d;—
The world had been a den of anarchy,
A very hell for strife, and bitter woe,
page 124“Philosophy of Love”: Page 124. Arising from deceit, and dire revenge,
Like th’ world before the flood! True love’s the salt,
Which keeps the world from foul corruption’s stench!
Ev’n though that salt be small, it shews its worth,
Affecting the whole bulk to something good!
True love is virtue’s root; there nothing base
Can prosper; nothing, but the genuine fruit
Of Truth will it bring forth; and shame aught else
That’s foreign to its nature,—keeping check
Upon all rankling weeds of vice, which might
Have grown in wild profusion, to annoy!
Though humble be its station, yet it bears
An air of majesty divine, and scares
Aught vile, which would upon its worth intrude!
True love awake, and on its watch-tow’r, what
Will dare approach to harm; or dare defile
Its sanctity of truth?—But, ah! when lull’d
Like Argus, by some cunning Syren’s song—!
When smooth tongued flatt’ry some ascendency
Gains o’er its confidence, how soon, indeed,
It is betray,d! Yet, even in its fall,
page 125“Philosophy of Love”: Page 125. It glances back upon the traitor’s head,
If not upon his heart, his baseness vile.—
Love; ArtsTrue love is beauty’s counterpart in truth:
All outward comeliness is much at fault,
When true-love has no dwelling in the heart!
The prude may make attempt at outward show,
In artificial decorations gay,
With mirror’d smiles and counterfeited charms;
Yet have no beanty worthy to be seen,
When in th’ affections truth is quite innane!
True love speaks Heaven’s language upon earth,
As it regards peace and good-will to man!
’This Heaven’s, delegate to win the hearts
Of mortals, to choose wisdom’s ways, and bid
Them all aspire to noble things, beyond
Earth’s paltry baubles, or its highest joys,
Aye, nothing short of Heaven’s immortal crown!
While love betray’d mocks God’s good-will to man,
And dooms the Traitor to eternal woe!