Poems, by Robert Louis Stevenson, hitherto unpublished/Love is the very heart of spring
LOVE IS THE VERY HEART OF SPRING—1876
In foregoing pages it has been shown how, in 1875, while in France, Stevenson had become interested in forms of poetry where the element of the refrain comes musically into play. The present verses are his most sustained attempt at this kind of poetry, and some may feel that the manner wherein he introduces a few lines in constant repetition is so tuneful that the poem becomes a really successful paean of love and springtime.
LOVE IS THE VERY HEART OF SPRING
Love is the very heart of spring;
Flocks fall to loving on the lea
And wildfowl love upon the wing,
When spring first enters like a sea.
When spring first enters like a sea
Into the heart of everything,
Bestir yourselves religiously,
Incense before love's altar bring.
Incense before love's altar bring,
Flowers from the flowering hawthorn tree,
Flowers from the margin of the spring,
For all the flowers are sweet to see.
Love is the very heart of spring;
When spring first enters like a sea
Incense before love's altar bring,
And flowers while flowers are sweet to see.
Bring flowers while flowers are sweet to see;
Love is almighty, love's a King,
Incense before love's altar bring,
Incense before love's altar bring.
Love's gifts are generous and free
When spring first enters like a sea;
When spring first enters like a sea,
The birds are all inspired to sing.
Love is the very heart of spring,
The birds are all inspired to sing,
Love's gifts are generous and free;
Love is almighty, love's a King.