Love is Best.
25
There is a cry for such as you—men fit for Fortune's chances,
To cross a new land and explore its wild unknown expanses.
What if the way is hedged with toil, with hardship, and with danger?
If hostile natives bar the way, and slay the invading stranger.
What if the fate of former bands hangs like a doom above you,
Succeed where others fail, if you indeed would have me love you.
Push through your way where others pause, pluck laurels from their grave,
And where brave men have failed and died, be braver than the brave.
Then will I give you love for love, so would I test and prove you.
And know that with my hand at stake, no craven fears can move you.
And, that my promise I will keep, until you come, unbroken,
This rose-red ribbon from my throat I give you for a token.
To cross a new land and explore its wild unknown expanses.
What if the way is hedged with toil, with hardship, and with danger?
If hostile natives bar the way, and slay the invading stranger.
What if the fate of former bands hangs like a doom above you,
Succeed where others fail, if you indeed would have me love you.
Push through your way where others pause, pluck laurels from their grave,
And where brave men have failed and died, be braver than the brave.
Then will I give you love for love, so would I test and prove you.
And know that with my hand at stake, no craven fears can move you.
And, that my promise I will keep, until you come, unbroken,
This rose-red ribbon from my throat I give you for a token.
