From kindled embers true love may appear,

To then ignite in fire, white-hot with praise—

Engulfing hearts in raging passion pure,

By fervent light that leaves each eye amazed;

Yet marked in time each pyre runs its course

Though all who love still seek this lasting flame,

When hearth grows cold with grief  and dim remorse

On gelid stones, then who shall bear the blame?

The truth remains—unstoked, all blazes die

For want of fervent fuel that gave them light,

Unfed they fail, and soon in ashes lie—

Consumed anon by their own crazed delight;

Yet if two hearts with equal care attend,

Love’s steady flame shall burn till time shall end.