Classic Poem

Fierce Love knows naught of Law, and nothing can
Avail, my friend, to sever maid from man.
If labours of the Law hold you apart
The god has found no stronghold in your heart.
Can yours be love, if some few miles of sea
Suffice to keep you from felicity?
The might of love Leander proved of yore
And spite of billows swam to the distant shore,
While you can take the ferry. But I ween
You've left soft Venus for a sterner queen.
Minerva rules the Law and Venus Love;
To one or other you must faithless prove.