RALPH WALDO EMERSON

669. Give All to Love

GIVE all to love; Obey thy heart; Friends, kindred, days, Estate, good fame, Plans, credit, and the Muse Nothing refuse.

'Tis a brave master ;

Let it have scope :

Follow it utterly,

Hope beyond hope:

High and more high

It dives into noon,

With wing unspent,

Untold intent;

But it is a god,

Knows its own path,

And the outlets of the sky.

It was never for the mean ; It requireth courage stout, Souls above doubt, Valour unbending: Such 'twill reward; They shall return More than they were, And ever ascending.

Leave all for love;

Yet, hear me, yet,

One word more thy heart behoved,

One pulse more of firm endeavour-

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