Love Poem by Richard Chenebix Trench

I.
Love is it, Love divine, that hath an impulse lent
To man, and beast, and worm, and every element.

II.
All riddles Love can solve, all mysteries unfold;
Ask what thou wilt, and Love the answer will present.

III.
I asked the circling heavens why they so swiftly moved:
Round Love's eternal throne they ever wheeling went.

IV.
I asked the waves what made their murmurs never cease:
Shall we in Love's great hymn with silence be content?

V.
I asked the bickering fire when it would climb no more:
When with the fire above in Love's communion blent.

VI.
Night asked I why she hung the world with darkness round:
To consecrate the world for Love a bridal tent.

VII.
I asked the Westwind why it breathed so soft and warm:
All roses to unfold for Love the Westwind meant.

VIII.
I sought for some escape from the labyrinth of Love,
And found my bliss was there to be for ever pent.

IX.
O soul, that until now hast sullenly refused
Thy portion in Love's joy, O sullen heart, relent;

X.
Oh! see Love's mighty dance, oh! hear its choral hymn;
Stand up--in dance and hymn to take thy part consent.