I said to Love, br "It is not now as in old days br When men adored thee and thy ways br All else above; br Named thee the Boy, the Bright, the One br Who spread a heaven beneath the sun," br I said to Love. br br I said to him, br "We now know more of thee than then; br We were but weak in judgment when, br With hearts abrim, br We clamoured thee that thou would'st please br Inflict on us thine agonies," br I said to him. br br I said to Love, br "Thou art not young, thou art not fair, br No elfin darts, no cherub air, br Nor swan, nor dove br Are thine; but features pitiless, br And iron daggers of distress," br I said to Love. br br "Depart then, Love! br Man's race shall perish, threatenest thou, br WIthout thy kindling coupling-vow? br The age to come the man of now br Know nothing of? br We fear not such a threat from thee; br We are too old in apathy! br Mankind shall cease.. - br So let it be," br I said to Love.