The meteor-flash of intellect oft outshines,
The mellow light of love's enduring flame,
As tender light of stars is put to shame
When 'thwart the heavens dash those fiery lines;
But love alone in starlight droops and pines,
While intellect, in the flooding light of fame,
Arises, crowning hopes of joy to claim,
And largest riches from earth's treasured mines.
Pure love: light burns with calm and ceaseless glow,
Eclipsing all emotions less profound.
Forever, in its unremitting flow,
Sweet solace for the human heart is found.
Pure love: light floods the over-flowing soul,
Sustains and soothes and consummates life's whole.
