Rosemary and Pansies/The Test of Love
J. C. L. Clark, Esq.
from
Bertram Dobell
The Test of Love
Possession is of love the test,
(If not the only one the best,)
For if it faithful be and real,
Not founded on a false ideal,
Possession but confirms its power,
Which lasts whatever storms may lower:
But false love quicklier dies away
Than sunshine on an April day,
Leaving a rain of scalding tears,
Reproaches, jealousies, & fears,
Perpetual bickerings & strife
That make a tragic farce of life.
Possession is of love the test,
(If not the only one the best,)
For if it faithful be and real,
Not founded on a false ideal,
Possession but confirms its power,
Which lasts whatever storms may lower:
But false love quicklier dies away
Than sunshine on an April day,
Leaving a rain of scalding tears,
Reproaches, jealousies, & fears,
Perpetual bickerings & strife
That make a tragic farce of life.
Mar. 29, 1904