Rosemary and Pansies/The Wine of Life

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THE WINE OF LIFE

When Love offers Thee his wine Ne'er mistrust Its purple shine; Quaff it boldly, Drink it up, Life's best nectar's In the cup.
Doubts are traitors, Fears are foes; They will bring thee Naught but woes: Love's of life The very breath, Want of Love Is life-in-death.
Ever say A thankful grace When thou see'st A lovely face; When she sings A song divine Adore as at A holy shrine.
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Love of all things Is the best, Bid it welcome As thy guest; Who would miss it, Missing all Happiness That can befall!
He who loves not Loveliness Forfeits wholly Life's best bliss: Grace and beauty, Eyes of fire, No true man But must desire.
The richest gifts From nature's loom Are youth and beauty In their bloom: Priceless treasures! Seize and hold, Better far Than wine or gold!
Say not beauty Will decay, Say not youth Soon flies away: Could but youth And beauty stay, Who would value Them, I pray?
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Boldly venture Then your all, Let not fear Your heart appal: Beauty is The prize supreme, Substance of The poet's dream!
1898
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