Modern Love XXX: What Are We First

 What are we first? First, animals; and next 
Intelligences at a leap; on whom 
Pale lies the distant shadow of the tomb, 
And all that draweth on the tomb for text.
 
Into which state comes Love, the crowning sun: 
Beneath whose light the shadow loses form.
 
We are the lords of life, and life is warm.
 
Intelligence and instinct now are one.
 
But nature says: 'My children most they seem 
When they least know me: therefore I decree 
That they shall suffer.
' Swift doth young Love flee, 
And we stand wakened, shivering from our dream.
 
Then if we study Nature we are wise.
 
Thus do the few who live but with the day: 
The scientific animals are they.
 
Lady, this is my sonnet to your eyes.

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