Classic Poem

Love was a judge, and he held a court
With the culprit in the box.
He had flung him into his jail, — Despair, —
Close under double locks.

The crier cried, and the court began.
The attorney rose and said,
" The prisoner at the bar, my lord,
We charge, as shall be read. "

And he read a long indictment through,
That charged contempt of love.
" He has spoken slightingly of you,
As I'll proceed to prove.

" He has said, " I'll travel other lands;
I'll wed my books and lore:
Divine philosophy alone
Shall my fond heart adore.

" " Love is the passion of weak minds:
I will not be its slave.
Love is a blindness of the eyes,
And it is reason's grave," "

The indictment through, the attorney said,
" My lord, — whom Heaven defend! —
If words like these unpunished go,
Your kingdom's at an end. "

" Speak, prisoner! " then the stern judge cried,
" If you have aught to say. "
" I did not know you, mighty Love
I therefore pardon pray, —

" If ignorance may be excuse. "
" Then hear me, " Love replied.
" Go seek the loveliest one you know,
And by her word abide.

" If she forgives you, then will I.
You have six months' release. "
And now he wanders up and down,
And nowhere findeth peace.

He's seen the loveliest; but in vain!
He cannot bring his heart
To risk the trial, lest he die
If she should say, " Depart! "