Arkansas Intelligencer

The Love of the Stranger, of Man for Woman!

Holy bond! When the union of hearts, souls
And hands, of gentle friendship, of passionate feeling,
Is formed at once. When two beings, under
Stronger than magnetic influence, become one in
Sentiment, one in feeling, one in all their wishes.
Strongest passion of the mind, which when once
Excited, overcomes all obstacles, laughs at all
Dangers, and moves on unceasingly to the attainment
Of its object. In following its dictates, we
But obey the voice of nature, of a power irresistible;
And implanted in the breast for naught save
Good purposes. It is not interest, the acquisition
Principle of our nature, that speaks, but passion,
Admiration, love, and if we obey any other voice,
We but create the bitterness and unhappiness of
After days. Unhappy, indeed is his condition,
Whom we cannot love. We have heard it said,
"Let poverty come in at the door and love will fly
Out of the window." It is good saying, and doubtless
Worthy of all acceptation; but we believe that
Love, true love, was never there. Have I not seen
Two loving partners stripped of all that the world
Esteems worthy of value, exposed to "the oppressor's
Wrong, the proud man's contumely," and
Yet happy, aye happy in the midst of want and
Privation? for they loved each other and that love
The world could not take from them. The language
Of Scripture is more full of truth. "Better
Is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a stalled
Ox and hatred therewith."—Saint Louis Ariel.