A Reed by the River/To Love
TO LOVE
If thou wouldst taste each dear surprise,
Tear not the bandage from thine eyes,
Within the heart Love's vision lies.
Tear not the bandage from thine eyes,
Within the heart Love's vision lies.
Dim thou the groping, mortal sight,
Ere doubt can blind or fear can blight;
Love's arrow is his spirit's flight.
Ere doubt can blind or fear can blight;
Love's arrow is his spirit's flight.
Lest longing be more sweet than gain,
Possession prove less keen than pain,
The sun more blinding be than rain,
Possession prove less keen than pain,
The sun more blinding be than rain,
Lest thou shouldst miss Love's dear surprise,
Seeking to probe each mood's disguise,—
Tear not the bandage from thine eyes.
Seeking to probe each mood's disguise,—
Tear not the bandage from thine eyes.