Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
Love NotCaroline Elizabeth Sarah (Sheridan) Norton (1808–1877)
L
Hope’s gayest wreaths are made of earthly flow’rs—
Things that are made to fade and fall away,
When they have blossom’d but a few short hours.
Love not, love not!
May perish from the gay and gladsome earth;
The silent stars, the blue and smiling sky,
Beam on its grave as once upon its birth.
Love not, love not!
The rosy lip may cease to smile on you;
The kindly beaming eye grow cold and strange;
The heart still warmly beat, yet not be true.
Love not, love not!
In present years, as in the years gone by!
Love flings a halo round the dear one’s head,
Faultless, immortal—till they change or die!
Love not, love not!