Poems (Sharpless)/Love's Choice
LOVE'S CHOICE
"Which of all do we hold above,
Hearts most loving, or hearts we love?"
—"Which?" in Century Magazine.
Hearts most loving, or hearts we love?"
—"Which?" in Century Magazine.
—
Nay, never ask! do not we love the best
The yearning hands, our stronger ones enfold?
The love that yields its largesse is more blest,
Pouring its affluence, scorning any quest
If the return be small, or manifold,
Sure of an ardor that shall ne'er wax cold.
Nay, never ask! do not we love the best
The yearning hands, our stronger ones enfold?
The love that yields its largesse is more blest,
Pouring its affluence, scorning any quest
If the return be small, or manifold,
Sure of an ardor that shall ne'er wax cold.
Love longs to give; is careless to receive:
Not whom I need, but who hath need of me,
Whom the gay multitude aside doth leave,
Whose gracious virtue I alone perceive,
Masters my soul, as doth the moon the sea.
Love's perfect flower bloomed once;—on Calvary.
Not whom I need, but who hath need of me,
Whom the gay multitude aside doth leave,
Whose gracious virtue I alone perceive,
Masters my soul, as doth the moon the sea.
Love's perfect flower bloomed once;—on Calvary.