Good is of God—and none is therefore sure

That has dared wander from its source away:

Laws without sanction will not long endure,

Love will grow faint and fainter day by day,

And Beauty from the straight path will allure,

And weakening first, will afterwards betray.

{28}

{28}

TO ——

What maiden gathers flowers, who does not love[2]?

What

And some have said, that none in summer bowers,

Save lovers, wreathe them garlands of fresh flowers:

O lady, of a purpose dost thou move

Through garden walks, as willing to disprove

This gentle faith; who, with uncareful hand,

Hast culled a thousand thus at my command,

Wherewith thou hast this dewy garland wove.

There is no meaning in a thousand flowers—

One lily from its green stalk wouldst thou part,

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