SIGH NOT FOR LOVE

By Helen Hay Whitney

Sigh not for love, the ways of love are dark!

Sweet Child — hold up the hollow of your hand

And catch the sparks that flutter from the stars!

See how the late sky spreads in flushing bars!

They are dead roses from your own dear land

Tossed high by kindly breezes: lean, and hark,

And you shall know how morning glads her lark!

The timid Dawn, herself a little child

Casts up shy eyes in loving worship — dear,

Is it not yet enough? the Spring is here

And would you weep for Winter's tempest wild

Sigh not for love, the ways of love are dark!