Poems (Linn)/Love and Absence
LOVE AND ABSENCE.
ONCE where sweet Love roved through a valley fair
Toying with flowers, listening to the bird
That sang his praise—songs only Love has heard
Or ever understands—he wandered where
The giant Absence kept his fearful court.
He was the young god's deepest, deadliest foe;
But Love feared not his legions: Doubt and Woe
He slew; and climbing up the towering fort,
Entered the castle, and there faced its lord;
The power of Absence vanished at the sight:
Trembling the monarch met the dazzling light
Of the god's smile, and threw aside his sword.
When Cupid drew his bow, lo! at his feet
Absence lay dead,—Love's triumph was complete.
Toying with flowers, listening to the bird
That sang his praise—songs only Love has heard
Or ever understands—he wandered where
The giant Absence kept his fearful court.
He was the young god's deepest, deadliest foe;
But Love feared not his legions: Doubt and Woe
He slew; and climbing up the towering fort,
Entered the castle, and there faced its lord;
The power of Absence vanished at the sight:
Trembling the monarch met the dazzling light
Of the god's smile, and threw aside his sword.
When Cupid drew his bow, lo! at his feet
Absence lay dead,—Love's triumph was complete.