All love that has not friendship for its base
Is like a mansion built upon the sand.
Though brave its walls as any in the land,
And its tall turrets lift their heads in grace,
Though skillful and accomplished artists trace
Most beautiful designs on ev'ry hand,
Gleaming statues in dim corners stand,
Fountains play in some flow'r-hidden place;
All love that has not friendship for its base
Is like a mansion built upon the sand.

When from the frowning east a sudden gust
Of adverse fate is blown, or sad rains fall,
Day in, day out, against its yielding wall -
Lo! The fair structure crumbles to the dust.
All love that has not friendship for its base
Is like a mansion built upon the sand.
Love, to endure life's sorrow and earth's woe,
Must have friendship's solid masonwork below.