Love and the Butterfly

I heard a merry voice one day And glancing at my side, Fair Love, all breathless, flushed with play, A butterfly did ride. "Whither away, oh sportive boy?" I asked, he tossed his head; Laughing aloud for purest joy, And past me swiftly sped.

Next day I heard a plaintive cry And Love crept in my arms; Weeping he held the butterfly, Devoid of all its charms. Sweet words of comfort, whispered I Into his dainty ears, But Love still hugged the butterfly, And bathed its wounds with tears.