How does Love speak? In the faint flush upon the tell-tale cheek, And in the pallor that succeeds it; by The quivering lid of an averted eye —
The smile that proves the patent to a sigh — Thus doth Love speak. How does Love speak? By the uneven heart-throbs, and the freak
Of bounding pulses that stand still and ache, While new emotions, like strange barges, make Along vein-channels their disturbing course; Still as the dawn, and with the dawn's swift force —
Thus doth Love speak. How does Love speak? In the avoidance of that which we seek — The sudden silence and reserve when near —
The eye that glistens with an unshed tear — The joy that seems the counterpart of fear, As the alarmed heart leaps in the breast, And knows and names and greets its godlike guest —
Thus doth Love speak. How does Love speak? In the proud spirit suddenly grown meek — The haughty heart grown humble; in the tender
And unnamed light that floods the world with splendor; In the resemblance which the fond eyes trace In all fair things to one beloved face; In the shy touch of hands that thrill and tremble;
In looks and lips that can no more dissemble — Thus doth Love speak. How does Love speak? In the wild words that uttered seem so weak
They shrink ashamed to silence; in the fire Glance strikes with glance, swift flashing high and higher Like lightnings that precede the mighty storm; In the deep, soulful stillness; in the warm,
Impassioned tide that sweeps through throbbing veins Between the shores of keen delight and pains; In the embrace where madness melts in bliss, And in the convulsive rapture of a kiss —
Thus doth Love speak.
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