Poem by Richard Watson Gilder

The New Day. Part 3. 11. “Once Only”

Once only, Love, may love's sweet song be sung;
But once, Love, at our feet love's flower is flung;
Once, Love, once only, Love, can we be young;
⁠Say shall we love, dear Love, or shall we hate!


Once only, Love, will burn the blood-red fire;
But once awakeneth the wild desire;
Love pleadeth long, but what if love should tire!
⁠Now shall we love, dear Love, or shall we wait!


The day is short, the evening cometh fast;
The time of choosing, Love, will soon be past;
The outer darkness falleth, Love, at last;
⁠Love, let us love ere it be late—too late!

1. The New Day. Part 4. 17. “He Knows Not the Path of Duty”
2. The Celestial Passion. Part 2. 4. Cost
3. The New Day. Part 3. 12. Denial
4. The New Day. Part 3. 19. Thistle-Down
5. The New Day. Part 3. 31. “When the Last Doubt Is Doubted”

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