Love’s Way
LOVE is not love demanding all, itselfWithholding aught; love’s is the nobler wayOf courtesy, that will not feast awareThat the beloved hungers, nor drink unlessThe cup be shared down to the last sweet dregs.Renunciatory never was the thornTo crown love with, but prodigal and proud!Too proud to rest the debtor of the oneDear passion most it dotes upon, alwaysLove rehabilitates unto the end.So let it be with us; the perfect faithWe each to other swear this moment leavesOur scales harmonious, neither wanting foundThough weighed in such strict balances. So letIt be with us always. I am too proudTo owe you one caress; you must not dropBeholden to my favor for one leastEndearing term. Should you reveal some stretchOf sky to me, let me revive some noteOf music lost to you. This is love’s way,That where a heart is asked gives back a heart.