Thursday, February 15, 2007

St. Valentine's Day



Over the mountains
And over the waves,

Under the fountains

And under the graves,

Under floods that are deepest,
Which Neptune obey
Over rocks which are the steepest,
Love will find out the way.

Where there is no place
For the glow-worm to lie,
Where there is no space
For receipt of a fly.

Where the gnat dares not venture,
Lest herself fast she lay,
But if Love comes, he will enter,
And will find out the way.

You may esteem him
A child for his might,
Or you may deem him
A coward from his flight.

But if she, whom Love doth honor,
Be concealed from the day
Set a thousand guards upon her,
Love will find out the way.

Some think to lose him
By having him confined
Some do suppose him,
Poor thing, to be blind.

But if ne'er so close ye wall him,
Do the best that you may,
Blind Love, if so ye call him,
Will find out his way.

You may train the eagle
To stoop to your fist.
You may train the regal
Phoenix of the east.

The lioness, you may move her
To give o'er her prey;
But you'll ne'er stop a lover;
He will find out his way.


It used to be that Valentine's Day was celebrated by having young men and women put their names in a hat, draw them out at random, and enjoy the festivities with whomever they chose. Some traditions are too good to last.

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