Page:Poems, Emerson, 1847.djvu/187

Rh There need no vows to bind

Whom not each other seek, but find.

They give and take no pledge or oath,—

Nature is the bond of both:

No prayer persuades, no flattery fawns,—

Their noble meanings are their pawns.

Plain and cold is their address,

Power have they for tenderness;

And, so thoroughly is known

Each other's counsel by his own,

They can parley without meeting;

Need is none of forms of greeting;

They can well communicate

In their innermost estate;

When each the other shall avoid,

Shall each by each be most enjoyed.

Not with scarfs or perfumed gloves

Do these celebrate their loves;

Not by jewels, feasts, and savors,

Not by ribbons or by favors,