Classic Poem

Kill the love that winds around thee,
With its snake-like death-like twine!
Where's the guardian faith that bound thee?
Where are all thy gifts divine?
Where is wisdom? Where is wine?
Where's the sad dark truth of story?
Where the Muse's mighty line?
Where the fame that burned before thee?

What is love, but life deformed
From its grand original aim?
Hero into slave transformed?
Worlds lost at a single game?
Whose the peril — whose the shame,
Should'st thou die in Love's fond slavery?
Rise! Earth's nought without its fame!
Rise! Life's nought without its bravery!