Love threatens, that it may not strike; and, still
Unheeded, strikes, that so it may not kill.
Love set me up on high. When I grew vain
Of my great height, Love brought me down
again.
The bond-servant of Love alone is free;
All other freedom is but slavery.
Love weeps; but from its eyes these two things win
The largest tears,—Its own, Its brother's sin.
Once on this painful earth a man did move,—
The Man of Griefs, because the Man of Love.
Nothing is true but Love, nor aught of worth;
Love is the incense which doth sweeten earth.
Oh merchant at heaven's mart, for heavenly ware,
Love is the only coin that passes there.
The wine of Love can be obtained of none,
Save him who trod the wine-press all alone.
