Page:Poems by Robert Louis Stevenson, Hitherto unpublished, 1921.djvu/121

 LOVE IS THE VERY HEART OF SPRING—1876

In foregoing pages it has been shown how, in 1875, while in France, Stevenson had become interested in forms of poetry where the element of the refrain comes musically into play. The present verses are his most sustained attempt at this kind of poetry, and some may feel that the manner wherein he introduces a few lines in constant repetition is so tuneful that the poem becomes a really successful paean of love and springtime.

LOVE IS THE VERY HEART OF SPRING

Love is the very heart of spring;

Flocks fall to loving on the lea

And wildfowl love upon the wing,

When spring first enters like a sea.

When spring first enters like a sea

Into the heart of everything,

Bestir yourselves religiously,

Incense before love's altar bring.

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