I KNOW not what this world would be (Not even by analogy) If love were banished for a time To other realm, or other clime; But no, it is not bound by space, But with illimitable grace Glides through all worlds, and lives in all, All hearts and souls it does enthral; Some, where the spirit seldom dwelt 'Tis not quite banished or forgot; It were indeed a dreary spot Without one single ray of love, That heavenly blessing from above For what were virtue, goodness, truth Without the light of love? in sooth They would not be—they could not last Without this heavenly antepast; This foretaste of celestial love Vicegerent here, but crowned above. Oh! love, thou pure and holy thing, What are the blessings thou dost bring? Nay, rather, what is happiness But love in some new guise or dress? Even from birth 'tis love that fills Each avenue of soul—instils Its spiritual influence And makes us all love excellence, Whatever bears the noble stamp Of great and good; 'tis this pure lamp Which lights our path and gives us hope, Extends our views to higher scope. We love to read, to hear, to earn, And why? because our spirits burn. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE by ALFRED TENNYSON BUBBLING WINE by ABU ZAKARIYYA THE RIGHT MARY by CLARIBEL WEEKS AVERY URANIA; THE WOMAN IN THE MOON: DEDICATION TO HENRY, PRINCE OF WALES by WILLIAM BASSE THE FASHIONS, 1806 by LEWIS BEACH MELANCHOLIA by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES OLNEY HYMNS: 54. MY SOUL THIRSTETH FOR GOD by WILLIAM COWPER BECAUSE OF THY GREAT BOUNTY by GRACE NOLL CROWELL A RURAL RETREAT; ENTER OF SALISBURY WITH A BOX by GEORGE DARLEY |