Love and Sorrow

Sorrow, of Love begotten, fought with Love
And bruised the mother's breast, and in her ear
Hissed bitter words and base; then Love had fear.
But still with that rebellious one she strove,
Till Sorrow, seeming humble, sought to move
Love's heart with sophistry, and cried, " Ah, dear!
What can we hope for now? Behold, quite near
Is many a mystic cave and magic grove,

"Wherein we may forget, at least one day.
Our sad relationship; fear thou no snare; " —
So Sorrow, kneeling, prayed her impious prayer.
But mightier was the mother than the child,
Who owned her sin; and these two, reconciled.
Now help each other on the tedious way.