Poems (Hoffman)/Love's Counterfeits
LOVE'S COUNTERFEITS
There's no invention underneath the sun So basely counterfeited,Its similes since first the world begun Have half the race outwitted;Like spurious coins in form and color true Put into circulation,These counterfeits are passing bright and new Exact in imitation.
True love is like a coin, changeless and pure, Bright from the mint of virtuous affection,Whose solid worth lies in its gold secure Stamped with the soul's reflection;Though Time may mar with rude and hasty hands Its brilliancy and beauty,Its gold unspoiled beneath the surface stands Alloyed with common duty.
False love is like the counterfeiter's coin, A criminal deception,Although a while its face like gold may shine To close inspection,Not long it needs the wear that must ensue Its character to settle,Its gilt departs and leaves exposed to view Its worthless metal.
He who treads stealthily his secret dens Of fraud and knavery dreaming,For his own selfish, vicious, lawless ends Another's ruin scheming,He is the type, yet nobler is his art Than his who makes to glitterBase metal for the pure gold of the heart, —Love's counterfeiter.