Love, and be Wise
John Boyle O'Reilly
1844 to 1890
Not on the word alone
Let love depend;
Neither by actions done
Choose ye the friend.
Let the slow years fly—
These are the test;
Never to peering eye
Open the breast.
Psyche won hopeless woe,
Reaching to take;
Wait till your lilies grow
Up from the lake.
Gather words patiently;
Harvest the deed;
Let the winged years fly,
Sifting the seed.
Judging by harmony,
Learning by strife;
Seeking in unity
Precept and life.
Seize the supernal—
Prometheus dies;
Take the external
On trust—and be wise.
John Boyle O'Reilly's Love, and be Wise
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