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TRUE AND FALSE LOVE

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 13, 1903

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 29, No. 19.

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TRUE AND FALSE LOVE.

By Francis Kemble Butler

I know the very difference that lies 'Twixt hallowed love and base, unholy lust; I know the one is a golden spur, Urging the spirit to all noblest aims; The other but a foul and miry pit, O'erthrowing it in midst of its career; I know the one is a living spring Of virtuous thoughts, true dealings, and brave deeds— Nobler than glory, and more sweet than pleasure— Richer than wealth, begetter of more excellence Than aught that from this earth corrupt takes birth, Second alone in the fair fruit it bears To the unmixed ore of true devotion; I know that lust is of all this, spelt backwards, Fouler than shame, and bitterer than sorrow, More loathly than most abject penury— Nor hath it fruit or bearing to requite it, Save sick satiety and good men's scorn.
—Francis Kemble Butler.