THE HEART OF LOVE, a poem

I KNOW a place warm-sheltered from the world—
     A place secure, in mild conditions blest,
Where fainting Toil, the homespun banner furled,
            May pause awhile and rest:
I know a place where fires burn late,
And Mercy, waiting at the gate,
            Still welcomes the oppressed!

I know a shrine more rich than Plutus' fane.
     An altar fragrant with celestial dew,
Where wavering souls their virgin faiths regain
            And energies renew.
I know a garden fair and free,
Where life yet wears, unfadingly,
            Lost Eden's roseate hue!

"The Heart of Love" by Florence Earle Coates. Published in Poems (1898) and Poems (1916) Volume I.