GOD, THROUGH HIS OFFSPRING NATURE, GAVE ME LOVEGOD, through his offspring Nature, gave me love, Though man in opposition saith me nay, And taketh from my heart its life to-day, As through the valley of the world I rove.

Still unaccompanied, within the grove That doth enamored beings hold at play, My spirit must pursue its lonely way, And strive to pluck some flowers that bloom above.

Oh, wherefore then doth Nature give desire To have that which mankind may not possess, And force him to endure on earth hell's fire, And live in one perpetual distress?

Some evil power must such love inspire, And with it masquerade in Cupid's dress!

CHARLES GIBSON