C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Anne Reeve Aldrich (1866–1892)

DID I seek life? Not so: its weight was laid upon me;

And yet of my burden sore I may not set myself free.

Two love, and lo, at love’s call, a hapless soul must wake:

Like a slave it is called to the world, to bear life, for their love’s sake.

Did I seek love? Not so: love led me along by the hand.

Love beguiled me with songs and caresses, while I took no note of the land.

And lo, I stood in a quicksand, but Love had wings, and he fled:

Ah fool, for a mortal to venture where only a god may tread!