I Said To Love by Thomas Hardy

I said to Love,

"It is not now as in old days

When men adored thee and thy ways

All else above;

Named thee the Boy, the Bright, the One

Who spread a heaven beneath the sun,"

I said to Love.

I said to him,

"We now know more of thee than then;

We were but weak in judgment when,

With hearts abrim,

We clamoured thee that thou would'st please

Inflict on us thine agonies,"

I said to him.

I said to Love,

"Thou art not young, thou art not fair,

No elfin darts, no cherub air,

Nor swan, nor dove

Are thine; but features pitiless,

And iron daggers of distress,"

I said to Love.

"Depart then, Love!

Man's race shall perish, threatenest thou,

WIthout thy kindling coupling-vow?

The age to come the man of now

Know nothing of?

We fear not such a threat from thee;

We are too old in apathy!

Mankind shall cease.. -

So let it be,"

I said to Love.

Thomas Hardy

(England 1840-1928)