Richard Watson Gilder

The New Day. Part 4. 16. “Love Is Not Bond to Any Man”

Love is not bond to any man,
⁠     Nor slave of woman, howso fair.
Love knows no architect nor plan,
⁠          She is a lawless wanderer,
⁠          She hath no master over her,
          ⁠And loveth not her worshiper.

But tho' she knoweth law nor plan,—
     ⁠Tho' she is free as light and air,—
Love was a slave since time began.
⁠          Lo, now, behold a wondrous thing:
          ⁠Tho' from stone walls she taketh wing,
          ⁠Love may be led by a silken string.