Say what is love, to live in vain,
To live and die, and live again?
Say what is love, is it to be
In prison still, and still be free--
Or seem as free, alone and prove
The hopeless hopes or real love?
Does real love on Earth exist?
Tis like a sun beam on the mist,
That fades, and no where will remain,
And nowhere is o'ertook again.
Say what is love? A blooming name,
A rose leaf on the page of fame,
That blooms, That fades, To cheat no more,
And is what nothing was before?
Say what is love, Whatever it may be