Oh Love, on thee a burden has been laid,
Now in this latter day of doubt and dread!
Be pure, that thou be strong, and unafraid
To meet the hosts wherewith thou are bested.
Thou only champion of the soul blasphemed
By arrogant young science! Show thine eyes
Immortal, and thy pledges unredeemed,—
Then challenge them to shut thee from the skies!
Oh Love, with thee we fall, with thee we rise,
Be pure that thou be strong in death's despite;
Then creeds may wax or wane 'mid tears and sighs,
But never shall the world be lost in night.
Thine is the one evangel, through all forms
Of change surviving, riding out all storms.