WHO BUYS LAND

Who buys land buys many stones,

Who buys flesh buys many bones;

Who buys eggs buys many shells,

Who buys love buys nothing else.

Love is a burr upon the floor,

Love is a thief behind the door;

Who loves leman for her breath

May quench his fire and cry for death!

Love is a bridle, love is a load,

Love is a thorn upon the road;

Love is the fly that flits its hour,

Love is the shining venom-flower.

Love is a net, love is a snare,

Love is a bubble blown with air;

Love starts hot, and waning cold,

Is withered in the grave's mould!