The Poetry Corner

Love's Chastening

By Paul Laurence Dunbar

Once Love grew bold and arrogant of air, Proud of the youth that made him fresh and fair; So unto Grief he spake, "What right hast thou To part or parcel of this heart?" Grief's brow Was darkened with the storm of inward strife; Thrice smote he Love as only he might dare, And Love, pride purged, was chastened all his life.