Carlotta Perry (1839–1914)

LOVE is eternal, so the strong souls say,

But seeing how hard life doth give the lie

Unto the mighty words, with sneer or sigh,

The weaker ones cry out in sad dismay

That love is changeful as an April day,

Holding within itself no strength whereby

It can the subtle shafts of time defy,

And in the heart of man abide alway.

Not every heart is great enough to hold

A great immortal tenant. Love hath fled

Always from natures narrow, weak and cold.

Know, when by scornful lips you hear it said

That Love is traitor, that the truth is told

Not of dear Love, but of that soul instead.