A Reed by the River/To Love

by Virginia Woodward Cloud

TO LOVE

If thou wouldst taste each dear surprise,
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.

Lest longing be more sweet than gain,
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.