Love is it, Love divine, that hath an impulse lent

To man, and beast, and worm, and every element.

All riddles Love can solve, all mysteries unfold;

Ask what thou wilt, and Love the answer will present.

I asked the circling heavens why they so swiftly moved:

Round Love’s eternal throne they ever wheeling went.

I asked the waves what made their murmurs never cease:

Shall we in Love’s great hymn with silence be content?

I asked the bickering fire when it would climb no more:

When with the fire above in Love’s communion blent.

Night asked I why she hung the world with darkness round:

To consecrate the world for Love a bridal tent.

I asked the Westwind why it breathed so soft and warm:

All roses to unfold for Love the Westwind meant.

I sought for some escape from the labyrinth of Love;

And found my bliss was there to be for ever pent.

O soul, that until now hast sullenly refused

Thy portion in Love’s joy, O sullen heart, relent;

Oh! see Love’s mighty dance, oh! hear its choral hymn;

Stand up—in dance and hymn to take thy part consent.