LOVE’S QUALITIES

Is Love a boy—what means he then to strike? Or is he blind,—why will he be a guide? Is he a man,—why doth he hurt his like? Is he a god,—why doth he men deride? No one of these, but one compact of all: A wilful boy, a man still dealing blows, Of purpose blind to lead men to their thrall: A god that rules unruly—God, he knows. Boy! pity me that am a child again; Blind, be no more my guide to make me stray: Man! use thy might to force away my pain; God! do me good and lead me to my way; And if thou beest a power to me unknown, Power of my life! let here thy grace be shown. Byrd’s Set Songs.