University of Virginia Library

II. The Chain of Love.

“Wir trinken, kühl umschattet.”—
Voss.

O, there are links that bind us,
Of magic power,—
The links, that softly twined us
In Eden's hour.
Joy wreathes his flowers around them,
And love with silk has bound them.
O, there 's a charm, no tongue can tell;
But still the heart, with hidden swell,
Can speak it well!
That chain,—the freeman wears it
With generous pride:
That chain,—the hero bears it,
With haughty stride.

347

Yes, lion hearts receive it,
As fairy fingers weave it.
Subdued by love, they still can dare
The battle-field, and fearless there
Its dangers share!