University of Virginia Library

LOVE.

Who shall describe it? Virtue has the soul
Deeply encompassed with celestial band;
Profoundly circled with the depth of thought,—
'Tis inspiration. Neither word nor deed,
Will show sufficiently the stamp of that
Which once impressed, so imperceptibly,
That though 'tis felt, it cannot be described.
'Tis not the passion of the wayward flesh,
'Tis not the fancy of a moment's thought;
'Tis not the restless power of the mind;
'Tis not the vision of a feverish brain;
'Tis not the promise of a selfish heart;
O no! it is not, cannot be in these;
What is it then? O would that worlds could tell!
But every man whoever feels its force,
Must guess, or give solution of his own.
In various ways, descriptively conveyed,
Each man of feeling who has dared to think,
Will find responsive to the chord within,
That answer to the question of the heart,
Which says, 'tis truth, 'tis virtue, wisdom, grace,
Meekness, and temperance, respect and light;
Patience and preference response of bliss,
Ineffable expression of the soul,
Which speaks in silence language of its own,
Which kindred spirit, must interpret:—God,
Who gave to man a partner for his days,
Planted, internally, a mental power
Which shines as gracefully as person can,
In eye of admiration. He who feels
A full impression of superior force,
Abundant intellect, which opens truth,
Clear as the day light, on the scenes of earth,
Will see as clearly, where the kindred soul,
That calls his sentiments of spirit forth,
Makes its abode. Should ever chance convey
The steps of either, to the sight of both,
There is a consciousness, of instant thought,
Which words will not express.—Hast seen a bolt
Dash from the Heavens with a fiery course,
A train of brightness, following in speed,
And noted how the bosom of the earth,
Received the wound, or heard the gushing sound,
Reiterated instantly? the burst of love
Through conscience dashing pierces to the soul,
And there inflames the spirit to a sigh.
'Tis not forgotten!—'Twill remain to death!
And be more pure as purity takes breath,
On earth imperfect, yet with God above
Fix'd in affection, everlasting love.