Prelude

Love and Bliss wedded in one heart of peace,
And offsprings of glad songs they had; but lo!
Bliss sickened soon, and died; then did Love know
For her was no more any joy or ease.
And Sorrow, coming after Joy's decease,
Laid hold of Love, and Love was linked to Woe;
And where Love goes, there, too, must Sorrow go, —
Forever more inseparable are these.

But, as Bliss brought to Love glad songs, so now.
See the sad offsprings of this second troth;
Yet, as the mother, twice a wife, may trace
In children of both marriage-beds her face.
And knows the twain have sprung from her, even so,
Love sees her image equally in both.