University of Virginia Library


72

WHICH

O which were best, and who would dare to choose
Between the friend who holds you as his life,
Counting all effort useless if his strife
Win from you no fond word—content to lose
All else but you—or him you know no ruse
Of time can part your soul from, and no knife
Of fate dissever, though all tongues were rife
With tales of slander his fair fame to bruise?
O which were best? To give or to receive?
To love, or to be loved? To take alway,
Or stand with gifts of love before the gate
Of one beloved? Oh! curious heart, believe
All love wins love, and choice were foolish play
In this. The twain are one, or soon or late.