OH, what is love?—a hope, a dream?— The secret source of upward strife! The pain that will from death redeem— The life of life! A bliss in agony; at last, As One Whose Name is Love has willed, The peace that comes when storm is past Through faith fulfilled. At first, the waking throes of birth, A quickening goad, a smiting rod; At last, the crowning grace of earth, The restful ecstasy of God! |