The earth was sown with early flowers, The heavens were blue and bright--I met a youthful cavalier As lovely as the light.I knew him not—but in my heart His graceful image lies,And well I marked his open brow, His sweet and tender eyes,His ruddy lips that ever smiled, His glittering teeth betwixt,And flowing robe embroidered o'er, With leaves and blossoms mixed.He wore a chaplet of the rose; His palfrey, white and sleek,Was marked with many an ebon spot, And many a purple streak;Of jasper was his saddle-bow, His housings sapphire stone,And brightly in his stirrup glanced The purple calcedon.Fast rode the gallant cavalier, As youthful horsemen ride;"Peyre Vidal! know that I am Love," The blooming stranger cried;"And this is Mercy by my side, A dame of high degree;This maid is Chastity," he said, "This squire is Loyalty."
THE LOVE OF GOD.°