William Crafts (1787–1826)

THERE are rapids in love, but they fall as they flow,

Thus pleasure inhabits the bodies of wo,

And the tears of their union though sunbeams illume,

They meet in the rainbow, and part in the gloom.

There are rapids in love, but they must be past o’er

By those who will not be confined to the shore;

Even danger has charms when it points to delight,

And morning is lovelier for following night.

Let us risk the descent—our barks shall combine,

Our hopes and our hearts shall together incline:

Love beckons us on to the perilous wave,

One moment shall ruin us both, or shall save.

Protect us, ye stars of the fond and the true,

The dangers of lovers are sacred to you;

The rapids are over,—surviving, secure,

In the sea of delight our barks we will moor.