STOP AND THINK – Take away love and earth is a tomb. (Robert Browning, 19th century English poet and playwright)
Browning seems to be quoting a song in his poem “Fra Lippo Lippi,” that laments a lover who let his loved one get away. According to the musical Carnival, “Love makes the world go ‘round.” And that certainly seems to characterize the modern conception of romantic love. When love is missing, life often becomes tedious and dreary. A fulfilling life needs true love.
How delightful is your love . . . my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice! (Song of Songs 4:10)