A free Translation of the Comte Léandre de * * *’s “Vive L’Amour” by A.S.
1
What affords Life’s choicest blessing?
What’s the good best worth possessing
Grief to heal or joy to more?
Joy his brightest crown can borrow,
Balm distills for ev’ry sorrow.
From the dear delights of Love
Warmed by Love’s etherial beam
Smiles dark poverty illume;
Wealth without it is a dream
Of splendid cares and stately gloom.
Ah, my Friends, all seasons prove
The pow’r and worth of mighty Love!
2
My boyish heart to fancy waking,
With a dreary void was aching
Till it owned Love’s soft control;
Then each ravish’d sense was thrilling —
Now, a kindly warmth instilling,
Constant Love inspires my soul.
Thus in giddy Youth he reigns,
Thus he charms in Manhood sage,
And his purest fire remains
To warm the freezing pulse of Age.
Ah, my Friends, all seasons prove
The pow’r and worth of mighty Love!