MIGHT LOVE BE BOUGHT.
Might Love be bought, I were full fain
My all to give thy love to gain.
Yet would such getting profit naught;
Possession with keen fears were fraught,
Would make even love's blisses vain.
For who could tell what god might deign
His golden treasures round thee rain,
Till ruin on my hopes were brought,
Might Love be bought.
Better a pensioner remain
On thy dear grace, since to attain
To worthiness in vain I sought.
Thy kindness hath assurance wrought
Could never be between us twain
Might Love be bought.
Arlo Bates.