’Mysireisthenightingale，Thatsings，makinghiswail，Inthewildwood，clear；
Themermaidismothertome，Thatsingsinthesaltsea，Intheoceanmere。’
’Yecomeofarightgoodrace，Andarebornofahighplace，Andofhighdegree；
WouldtoGodthatyewereGivenuntome，beingfair，Myladyandlovetobe。’
LOSTFORAROSE’SSAKE。
ILAVEDmyhands，BYthewaterside；
WiththewillowleavesMyhandsIdried。
ThenightingalesungOntheboughofthetree；
Sing，sweetnightingale，Itiswellwiththee。
Thouhastheart’sdelight，Ihavesadheart’ssorrowForafalsefalsemaidThatwillwedto—morrow。
’Tisallforarose，ThatIgavehernot，AndIwouldthatitgrewInthegardenplot。
AndIwouldtherose—treeWerestilltoset，ThatmyloveMarieMightlovemeyet。
BALLADSOFMODERNGREECE。
THEBRIGAND’SGRAVE。
THEmooncameupabovethehill，Thesunwentdownthesea；
Go，maids，andfetchthewell—water，But，lad，comeheretome。
Girdonmyjackandmyoldsword，ForIhaveneverason；
AndyoumustbethechiefofallWhenIamdeadandgone。
Butyoumusttakemyoldbroadsword，Andcutthegreenboughofthetree，AndstrewthegreenboughsonthegroundTomakeasoftdeathbedforme。
AndyoumustbringtheholypriestThatImaysainedbe；
ForIhavelivedarovinglifeFiftyyearsunderthegreenwoodtree。
Andyoushallmakeagraveforme，Andmakeitdeepandwide；
ThatImayturnaboutanddreamWithmyoldgunbymyside。
Andleaveawindowtotheeast，Andtheswallowswillbringthespring；
AndallthemerrymonthofMayThenightingaleswillsing。
THESUDDENBRIDAL。
ITwasamaidlaysickoflove，Allforalemanfair；
Anditwasthreeofherbower—maidensThatcametocomforther。
Thefirstsheboreablossomedbranch，Thesecondanapplebrown，Thethirdshehadasilkkerchief，Andstillhertearsrandown。
Thefirstshemocked，thesecondshelaughed—
’Wehavelovedlemansfair，WemadeourheartsliketheironstoneHadlittleteenorcare。’
’Ifyehaveloved’twasafalsefalselove，Andanilllemanwashe；
Buthertruelovehadangel’seyes，Andasfairwashissweetbody。
AndIwillgirdmygreenkirtle，Andbraidmyyellowhair，AndIwilloverthehighhillsAndbringherlovetoher。’
’Nay，ifyoubraidyouryellowhair，You’lltwinemylovefromme。’
’Nownay，nownay，myladygood，Thateverthisshouldbe！’
’WhenyouhavecrossedthewesternhillsMytrueloveyoushallmeet，Withagreenflagblowingoverhim，Andgreengrassathisfeet。’
Shehascrossedoverthehighhills，Andthelowhillsbetween，Andshehasfoundthemay’slemanBeneathaflagofgreen。
’TwasfourandtwentyladiesfairWeresittingonthegrass；
Buthehasturnedandlookedonher，Andwillnotletherpass。
’You’vemaidenshere，andmaidensthere，Andlovesthroughalltheland；
ButwhathaveyoumadeoftheladyfairYougavetherose—garland？’
Shewassoharshandcoldoflove，Tomegavelittlegrace；
SheweptifIbuttouchedherhand，Orkissedherbonnyface。
’Yea，crowsshallbuildintheeagle’snest，Thehawkthedoveshallwed，BeforemyoldtrueloveandI
Meetinoneweddingbed。’
WhenshehadheardhisbitterredeThatwashisoldtruelove，Shesatandweptwithinherbower，Andmoanedevenasadove。
Sheroseupfromherwindowseat，Andshelookedouttosee；
HerlovecameridingupthestreetWithagoodlycompany。
HewascladonwithVenicegold，Wroughtuponcramoisie，HisyellowhairshonelikethesunAbouthisfairbody。
’NowshallIcallhimblossomedbranchThathasillknotstherein？
OrshallIcallhimbasilplant，Thatcomesofanevilkin？
’Oh，Ishallgivehimgoodlynames，Myswordofdamaskfine；
Mysilverflower，mybright—wingedbird，Wheregoyou，lovermine？’
’Igotomarrymynewbride，ThatIbringo’erthedown；
Andyoushallbeherbridalmaid，Andholdherbridalcrown。’
’WhenyoucometothebridechamberWhereyourfairmaidenis，You’lltellherIwasfairofface，Butnevertellherthis，’Thatstillmylipswerelipsoflove，Mykisslove’sspring—water，Thatmylovewasarunningspring，Mybreastagardenfair。
’AndyouhavekissedthelipsofloveAnddrainedthewell—water，Andyouhavespoiledtherunningspring，Androbbedthefruitssofair。’
******
’Nowhethatwillmayscatternuts，Andhemaywedthatwill；
ButshethatwasmyoldtrueloveShallbemytruelovestill。’
GREEKFOLKSONGS。
IANNOULA。
ALLthemaidensweremerryandwedAlltoloverssofairtosee；
TheloverItooktomybridalbedHeisnotlongforloveandme。
Ispoketohimandhenotingsaid，Igavehimbreadofthewheatsofine，Hedidnoteatofthebridalbread，Hedidnotdrinkofthebridalwine。
Imadehimabedwassoftanddeep，Imadehimabedtosleepwithme；
’Lookonmeoncebeforeyousleep，Andlookontheflowerofmyfairbody。
’FlowersofApril，andfreshMay—dew，DewofAprilandbudsofMay；
Twowhiteblossomsthatbudforyou，Budsthatblossombeforetheday。’
THETELL—TALES。
ALLinthemirkmidnightwhenIwasbesideyou，Whohasseen，whohasheard，whatwassaid，whatwasdone？
’Twasthenightandthelightofthestarsthatespiedyou，Thefallofthemoon，andthedawningbegun。
’Tisaswiftstarhasfallen，astarthatdiscoversTotheseawhatthegreenseahastoldtotheoars，Andtheoarstothesailors，andtheyofusloversGosingingthissongattheirmistress’sdoors。
AVE。
TWILIGHTONTWEED。
THREEcrestsagainstthesaffronsky，Beyondthepurpleplain，ThedearrememberedmelodyOfTweedoncemoreagain。
Wanwaterfromtheborderhills，Dearvoicefromtheoldyears，Thydistantmusiclullsandstills，Andmovestoquiettears。
LikealovedghostthyfabledfloodFleetsthroughtheduskyland；
WhereScott，comehometodie，hasstood，Myfeetreturningstand。
Amistofmemorybroodsandfloats，Theborderwatersflow；
Theairisfullofballadnotes，Borneoutoflongago。
Oldsongsthatsungthemselvestome，Sweetthroughaboy’sdaydream，Whiletroutbelowtheblossom’dtreePlashedinthegoldenstream。
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Twilight，andTweed，andEildonHill，Fairandthricefairyoube；
YoutellmethatthevoiceisstillThatshouldhavewelcomedme。
ONEFLOWER。
[\"Upthereshotalilyred，Withapatchofearthfromthelandofthedead，Forshewasstronginthelandofthedead。\"]
WHENautumnsunsaresoft，andseawindsmoan，Andgoldenfruitsmakesweetthegoldenair，Ingardenswheretheappleblossomswere，IntheseoldspringsbeforeIwalkedalone；
Ipassamongthepathwaysovergrown，OfalltheformerflowersthatkissedyourfeetRemainsapoppy，pallidfromtheheat，Awildpoppythatthewildwindshavesown。
Alas！theroseforgetsyourhandsofrose；
Theliliesslumberinthelilybed；
’Tisonlypoppiesinthedreamyclose，Thechangeless，windlessgardenofthedead，Youtend，withbudssoftasyourkissthatliesInoverhappydreams，uponmineeyes。
METEMPSYCHOSIS。
ISHALLnotseethee，nay，butIshallknowPerchance，thygreyeyesinanother’seyes，ShallguessthycurlsingraciouslocksthatflowOnpurestbrows，yea，andtheswiftsurmiseShallfollow，andtrack，andfindtheeindisguiseOfallsadthings，andfair，wheresunsetsglow，Whenthroughthescentofheather，faintandlow，Theweakwindwhisperstothedaythatdies。
Fromallsweetart，andoutofall’oldrhyme，’
Thineeyesandlipsarelightandsongtome；
Theshadowsofthebeautyofalltime，Carvenandsung，areonlyshapesofthee；
Alas，theshadowyshapes！ah，sweetmydearShalllifeordeathbringallthybeingnear？
LOSTINHADES。
IDREAMEDthatsomewhereintheshadowyplace，GriefoffarewellunspokenwasforgotInwelcome，andregretrememberednot；
AndhopelessprayeraccomplishedturnedtopraiseOnlipsthathadbeensonglessmanydays；
Hopehadnomoretohopefor，anddesireAnddreadwereoverpast，inwhiteattireNewbornwewalkedamongthenewworld’sways。
ThenfromthepressofshadesaspiritthrewTowardsmesuchapplesasthesegardensbear；
Andturning，Iwas’wareofher，andknewAndfollowedherfleetvoiceandflyinghair，—
Followed，andfoundhernot，andseekingyouIfoundyounever，dearest，anywhere。
ASTARINTHENIGHT。
THEperfectpiteousbeautyofthyface，Islikeastarthedawningdrivesaway；
MineeyesmayneverseeinthebrightdayThypallidhalo，thysupernalgrace：
ButinthenightfromforththesilentplaceThoucomest，dimindreams，asdothastrayStarofthestarryflockthatinthegreyIsseen，andlost，andseenamoment’sspace。
Andastheearthatnightturnstoastar，Lovedlongago，anddearerthanthesun，Sointhespiritualplaceafar，Atnightoursoulsaremingledandmadeone，Andwaittillonenightfall，andonedawnrise，Thatbringsnonoontoosplendidforyoureyes。
ASUNSETONYARROW。
THEwindandthedayhadlivedtogether，Theydiedtogether，andfarawaySpokefarewellinthesultryweather，Outofthesunset，overtheheather，Thedyingwindandthedyingday。
Farinthesouth，thesummerlevinFlushed，aflameinthegreysoftair：
Weseemedtolookonthehillsofheaven；
Yousawwithin，buttome’twasgivenToseeyourface，asanangel’s，there。
Neveragain，ahsurelyneverShallwewaitandwatch，whereofoldwestood，Thelowgood—nightofthehillandtheriver，Thefaintlightfade，andthewanstarsquiver，Twaingrownoneinthesolitude。
HESPEROTHEN。
BYtheexampleofcertainGrecianmariners，who，beingsafelyreturnedfromthewaraboutTroy，leaveyetagaintheiroldlandsandgods，seekingtheyknownotwhat，andchoosingneithertoabideinthefairPhaeacianisland，nortodwellanddiewiththeSirens，atlengthendmiserablyinadesertcountrybythesea，issetforththeVANITYOFMELANCHOLY。AndbythelandofPhaeaciaistobeunderstoodtheplaceofArtandoffairPleasures；andbyCirce’sIsle，theplacesofbodilydelights，whereofmen，fallingaweary，attaintoEld，andtothedarknessofthatage。WhichthingMasterFrancoysRabelaisfeigned，underthesimilitudeoftheIsleoftheMacraeones。
THESEEKERSFORPHAEACIA。
THEREisalandintheremotestday，Wherethesoftnightisborn，andsunsetdies；
Theeasternshoresseefainttidesfadeaway，Thatwashthelandswherelaughter，tears，andsighs，Makelife，—thelandsbeneaththeblueofcommonskies。
Butinthewestisamysterioussea，（Whatsailshaveseenit，orwhatshipmenknown？）
WithcoastsenchantedwheretheSirensbe，WithislandswhereaGoddesswalksalone，AndinthecedartreesthemagicwindsmakemoanEastwardthehumancaresofhouseandhome，Cities，andships，andunknownGods，andloves；
Westward，strangemaidensfairerthanthefoam，Andlawlesslivesofmen，andhauntedgroves，WhereinaGodmaydwell，andwheretheDryadroves。
TheGodsarecarelessofthedaysanddeathOftoilsomemen，beyondthewesternseas；
TheGodsareheedlessoftheirpainfulbreath，Andlovethemnot，fortheyarenotasthese；
Butinthegoldenwesttheyliveandlieatease。
YetthePhaeacianswelltheylove，wholiveAtthelight’slimit，passingcarelesshours，MostliketheGods；andtheyhavegiftstogive，Evenwine，andfountainsmusical，andflowers，Andsong，andiftheywill，swiftships，andmagicpowers。
Itisaquietmidland；inthecoolOftwilightcomestheGod，thoughnomanprayed，TowatchthemaidsandyoungmenbeautifulDance，andtheyseehim，andarenotafraid，FortheyarenearofkintoGods，andundismayed。
Ah，wouldthebrightredprowsmightbringusnighThedreamyislesthattheImmortalskeep！
Butwithamisttheyhidethemwondrously，Andfarthepathanddimtowheretheysleep，—
Theloved，theshadowylandsalongtheshadowydeep。
ASONGOFPHAEACIA。
THElanguidsunset，motherofroses，Lingers，alightonthemagicseas，Thewidefireflames，asafloweruncloses，Heavywithodour，andloosetothebreeze。
Theredroseclouds，withoutlaworleader，Gatherandfloatintheairyplain；
Thenightingalesingstothedewycedar，Thecedarscattershisscenttothemain。
Thestrangeflowers’perfumeturnstosinging，Heardafarovermoonlitseas；
TheSiren’ssong，grownfaintinwinging，Fallsinscentonthecedartrees。
Aswaifsblownoutofthesunset，flying，Purple，androsy，andgrey，thebirdsBrightentheairwiththeirwings；theircryingWakensamomentthewearyherds。
Butterfliesflitfromthefairygarden，Livingblossomsofflyingflowers；
Neverthenightswithwinterharden，Normoonswaxkeeninthislandofours。
Greatfruits，fragrant，greenandgolden，Gleaminthegreen，anddroopandfall；
Blossom，andbud，andflowerunfolden，Swing，andclingtothegardenwall。
Deepinthewoodsastwilightdarkens，Gladesareredwiththescentedfire；
Farinthedellsthewhitemaidhearkens，Songandsighoftheheart’sdesire。
Ah，andasmoonlightfadesinmorning，Maiden’ssonginthematingrey，Faintsasthefirstbird’snote，awarning，Wakesandwailstothenew—bornday。
ThewakingsongandthedyingmeasureMeet，andthewaxingandwaninglightMeet，andfaintwiththehoursofpleasure，Theroseoftheseaandtheskyiswhite。
THEDEPARTUREFROMPHAEACIA。
THEPHAEACIANS。
WHYfromthedreamymeadows，Morefairthananydream，WhywillyouseektheshadowsBeyondtheoceanstream？
Throughstraitsofstormandperil，Throughfirthsunsailedbefore，Whymakeyouforthesterile，ThedarkKimmerianshore？
Therenobrightstreamsareflowing，Theredayandnightareone，Noharvesttime，nosowing，Nosightofanysun；
Nosoundofsongortabor，Nodanceshallgreetyouthere；
Nonoiseofmortallabour，Breaksontheblindchillair。
Areoursnothappyplaces，WhereGodswithmortalstrod？
SawnotoursiresthefacesOfmanyapresentGod？
THESEEKERS。
NAY，nownoGodcomeshither，Inshapethatmenmaysee；
Theyfareweknownotwhither，Weknownotwhattheybe。
Yea，thoughthesunsetlingersFarinyourfairyglades，Thoughyoursthesweetestsingers，Thoughyoursthekindestmaids，Yetherebethetrueshadows，Hereinthedoubtfullight；
AmidthedreamymeadowsNoshadowhauntsthenight。
Weseekacitysplendid，Withlightbeyondthesun；
Orlandswheredreamsareended，Andworksanddaysaredone。
ABALLADOFDEPARTURE。（2）
FAIRwhitebird，whatsongartthousingingInwintryweatheroflandso’ersea？
Dearwhitebird，whatwayartthouwinging，Wherenograssgrows，andnogreentree？
Ilookedatthefarofffieldsandgrey，Theregrewnotreebutthecypresstree，ThatbearssadfruitswiththeflowersofMay，Andwhosolooksonit，woeishe。
AndwhosoeatsofthefruitthereofHasnomoresorrow，andnomorelove；
Andwhosetsthesameinhisgardenstead，Inalittlespaceheiswasteanddead。
THEYHEARTHESIRENSFORTHESECONDTIME。
THEwearysailsamomentslept，Theoarsweresilentforaspace，AspastHesperianshoresweswept，ThatwereasarememberedfaceSeenafterlapseofhopelessyears，InHades，whentheshadowsmeet，Dimthroughthemistofmanytears，Andstrange，andthoughashadow，sweet。
Soseemedthehalf—rememberedshore，Thatslumbered，mirroredintheblue，Withhavenswherewetouchedofyore，Andportsthatoverwellweknew。
ThenbrokethecalmbeforeabreezeThatsoughtthesecretofthewest；
AndlistlessallweswepttheseasTowardstheIslandsoftheBlest。
BesideagoldensandedbayWesawtheSirens，veryfairThefloweryhillwhereontheylay，Theflowerssetupontheirhair。
Theiroldsweetsongcamedownthewind，Rememberedmusicwaxingstrong，Ahnownoneedofcordstobind，NoneedhadweofOrphicsong。
Itoncehadseemedalittlething，Tolayourlivesdownattheirfeet，Thatdyingwemighthearthemsing，Anddyingseetheirfacessweet；
Butnow，weglanced，andpassingby，Nocarehadwetotarrylong；
Fainthope，andrest，andmemoryWeremorethananySiren’ssong。
CIRCE’SISLEREVISITED。
AH，Circe，Circe！inthewoodwecried；
Ah，Circe，Circe！butnovoicereplied；
Novoicefrombowerso’ergrownandruinousAsfallenrocksuponthemountainside。
Therewasnosoundofsingingintheair；
Failedorfledthemaidensthatwerefair，Nomoreforsorroworjoywereseenofus，Nolightoflaughingeyes，orfloatinghair。
Theperfume，andthemusic，andtheflameHadpassedaway；thememoryofshameAloneabode，andstingsoffaintdesire，Andpulsesofvaguequietwentandcame。
Ah，Circe！inthysadchangedfairyplace，OurdeadYouthcameandlookedonusaspace，Withdroopingwings，andeyesoffadedfire，Andwastedhairaboutawearyface。
WhyhadweeversoughtthemagicisleThatseemedsohappyinthedayserewhile？
Whydidweeverleaveit，wherewemetAworldofhappywondersinonesmile？
BacktothewestwardandthewaninglightWeturned，wefled；thesolitudeofnightWasbetterthantheinfiniteregret，Infallenplacesofourdeaddelight。
THELIMITOFLANDS。
BETWEENthecirclingoceanseaAndthepoplarsofPersephoneThereliesastripofbarrensand，Fleckedwiththesea’slastspray，andstrownWithwasteleavesofthepoplars，blownFromgardensoftheshadowland。
WithaltarsofoldsacrificeTheshoreisset，inmournfulwiseThemistsupontheoceanbrood；
BetweenthewaterandtheairThecloudsarebornthatfloatandfareBetweenthewaterandthewood。
UponthegreyseaneversailOfmortalspassedwithinourhail，Wherethelastweakwavesfaintandflow；
WeheardwithinthepoplarpaleThemurmurofadoubtfulwailOfvoiceslovedsolongago。
Wescarcehadcaretodieorlive，Wehadnohoneycaketogive，Nowineofsacrificetoshed；
Thereliesnonewpathoversea，Andnowweknowhowfainttheybe，ThefeastsandvoicesoftheDead。
Ah，flowersanddance！ah，sunandsnow！
Gladlife，sadlifewedidforegoTodreamofquietnessandrest；
Ah，wouldthefleetsweetrosesherePouredlightandperfumethroughthedrearPaleyear，andwanlandofthewest。
Sadyouth，thatletthespringgobyBecausethespringisswifttofly，Sadyouth，thatfearedtomournorlove，Beholdhowsadderfaristhis，Toknowthatrestisnowisebliss，Anddarknessistheendthereof。
VERSESONPICTURES。
COLINETTE。
[FORASKETCHBYMR。G。LESLIE，A。R。A。]
FRANCEyourcountry，asweknow；
Roomenoughforguessingyet，Whatlipsnoworlongago，Kissedandnamedyou—Colinette。
Inwhatfieldsfromseatosea，Bywhatstreamyourhomewasset，LoireorSeinewasgladofthee，MarneorRhone，OColinette？
Didyoustandwith’maidensten，Fairermaidswereneverseen，’
WhentheyoungkingandhismenPassedamongtheorchardsgreen？
Nay，oldballadshaveanoteMournful，wewouldfainforget；
NosuchsadoldairshouldfloatRoundyouryoungbrows，Colinette。
Say，didRonsardsingtoyou，Shepherdess，tolullhispain，WhenthecourtwentwanderingthroughRosepleasancesofTouraine？
RonsardandhisfamousRoseLongaredustthebreezesfret；
You，withinthegardenclose，Youareblooming，Colinette。
HaveIseenyouproudandgay，Withapatchedandperfumedbeau，Dancingthroughthesummerday，MistysummerofWatteau？
Nay，sosweetamaidasyouNeverwalkedaminuetWiththesplendidcourtlycrew；
Nay，forgiveme，Colinette。
NotfromGreuze’scanvassesDoyoucastaglance，asmile；
Youarenotasoneofthese，Yoursisbeautywithoutguile。
RoundyourmaidenbrowsandhairMaidenhoodandChildhoodmetCrownandkissyou，sweetandfair，Newart’sblossom，Colinette。
ASUNSETOFWATTEAU。
LUI。
THEsilksailfills，thesoftwindswake，Ariseandtempttheseas；
OuroceanisthePalacelake，OurwavestheripplesthatwemakeAmongthemirroredtrees。
ELLE。
Nay，sweettheshore，andsweetthesong，Anddearthelanguiddream；
ThemusicmingledalldaylongWithpacesofthedancingthrong，Andmurmurofthestream。
Anhourago，anhourago，Werestedintheshade；
Andnow，whyshouldweseektoknowWhatwaythewilfulwatersflow？
Thereisnofairerglade。
LUI。
Nay，pleasureflits，andwemustsail，Andseekhimeverywhere；
Perchanceinsunset’sgoldenpaleHelistenstothenightingale，Amidtheperfumedair。
Come，hehasfled；youarenotyou，AndInomoreamI；
DelightischangefulasthehueOfheaven，thatisnolongerblueInyondersunsetsky。
ELLE。
Nay，ifweseekweshallnotfind，Ifweknocknoneopeneth；
Nay，see，thesunsetfadesbehindThemountains，andthecoldnightwindBlowsfromthehouseofDeath。
ANATIVITYOFSANDROBOTTICELLI。
’WROUGHTinthetroubloustimesofItalyBySandroBotticelli，’whenforfearOfthatlastjudgment，andlastdaydrawnnearToendalllabourandallrevelry，Heworkedandprayedinsilence；thisissheThatbytheholycradleseesthebier，Andinspicegiftsthehyssoponthespear，AndoutofBethlehem，Gethsemane。
Betweenthegoldskyandthegreeno’erhead，Thetwelvegreatshiningangels，garlanded，Marveluponthisface，whereincombineThemother’slovethatshoneonallofus，AndmaidenrapturethatmakesluminousThebrowsofMargaretandCatherine。
SONGSANDSONNETS
TWOHOMES。
[ToayoungEnglishladyintheHospitaloftheWoundedatCarlsruhe。Sept。1870。]
WHATdoesthedimgazeofthedyingfindTowakendreamormemory，seeingyou？
Inyoursweeteyeswhatothereyesareblue，AndinyourhairwhatgoldhaironthewindFloatsofthedaysgonealmostoutofmind？
IndeepgreenvalleysoftheFatherlandHemayremembergirlswithlockslikethine；
Maydreamhow，wherethewaitingangelsstand，Somelostlove’seyesaredimbeforetheyshineWithwelcome：—sopasthomes，orhomestobe，Heseesamoment，ere，amomentblind，HecrossesDeath’sinhospitablesea，AndwithbriefpassageofthosebarrenlandsComestothehomethatisnotmadewithhands。
SUMMER’SENDING。
THEflagsbelowtheshadowyfernShinelikespearsbetweensunandsea，Thetideandthesummerbegintoturn，Andah，forhearts，forheartsthatyearn，Forfiresofautumnthatcatchandburn，Forlovegoneoutbetweentheeandme。
Thewindisup，andtheweatherbroken，Blueseas，blueeyes，aregrievedandgrey，Listen，thewordthatthewindhasspoken，Listen，thesoundofthesea，—atokenThatsummer’sover，andtrothsarebroken，—
Thatlovesdepartasthehoursdecay。
Alovehaspassedtothelovespassedover，Amonthhasfledtothemonthsgoneby；
Andnonemayfollow，andnonerecoverJulyandJune，andneveraloverMaystaythewingsoftheLovesthathover，Asfleetasthelightinasunsetsky。
NIGHTINGALEWEATHER。
[’Serai—jenonnette，ouiounon？
Serai—jenonnette？jecroisquenon。
DerrierechezmonpereIlestunboistaillis，LerossignolychanteEtlejouretlenuit。
IlchastepourlesfillesQuin’ontpasd’ami；
Ilnechantepaspourmoi，J’enaiun，Dieumerci。’—OLDFRENCH。]
I’LLneverbeanun，Itrow，Whileapplebloomiswhiteassnow，Butfarmorefairtosee；
I’llneverwearnun’sblackandwhiteWhilenightingalesmakesweetthenightWithintheappletree。
Ah，listen！’tisthenightingale，Andinthewoodhemakeshiswail，Withintheappletree；
HesingethofthesoredistressOfmanyladiesloverless；
ThankGod，nosongforme。
ForwhenthebroadMaymoonislow，AgoldfruitseenwhereblossomsblowIntheboughsoftheappletree，AstepIknowisatthegate；
Ahlove，butitislongtowaitUntilnight’snoonbringthee！
Betweenlark’ssongandnightingale’sAsilentspace，whiledawningpales，ThebirdsleavestillandfreeForwordsandkissesmusical，ForsilenceandforsighsthatfallInthedawn，’twixthimandme。
LOVEANDWISDOM。
[’WhenlastwegatheredrosesinthegardenIfoundmywits，buttrulyyoulostyours。’
THEBROKENHEART。]
JULY，andJunebroughtflowersandloveToyou，butIwouldnonethereof，WhoseheartkeptallthroughsummertimeAfloweroffrostandwinterrime。
Yourswastruewisdom—wasitnot？—
Evenlove；butIhadcleanforgot，Tillseasonsofthefallingleaf，Allloves，butonethatturnedtogrief。
Atlengthattouchofautumntide，Whenrosesfell，andsummerdied，Allinadawningdeepwithdew，Loveflewtome，lovefledfromyou。
Therosesdroopedtheirwearyheads，Ispokeamongthegardenbeds；
Youwouldnothear，youcouldnotknow，Summerandloveseemedlongago，Asfar，asfaint，asdimadream，Astothedeadthisworldmayseem。
Ahsweet，inwinter’smiseries，Perchanceyoumayrememberthis，HowwisdomwasnotjustifiedInsummertimeorautumn—tide，Thoughforthisoncebelowthesun，Wisdomandloveweremadeatone；
Butlovewasbitter—boughtenough，Andwisdomlightofwingaslove。
GOOD—BYE。
KISSme，andsaygood—bye；
Good—bye，thereisnowordtosaybutthis，Noranylipsleftformylipstokiss，Noranytearstoshed，whenthesetearsdry；
Kissme，andsay，good—bye。
Farewell，beglad，forget；
Thereisnoneedtosay’forget，’Iknow，Foryouthisyouth，andtimewillhaveitso，Andthoughyourlipsarepale，andyoureyeswet，Farewell，youmustforget。
Youshallbringhomeyoursheaves，Many，andheavy，andwithblossomstwinedOfmemoriesthatgonotoutofmind；
LetthisonesheafbetwinedwithpoppyleavesWhenyoubringhomeyoursheaves。
Ingarneredlovesofthine，Theripegoodfruitofmanyheartsandyears，Somewhereletthislie，greyandsaltwithtears；
Itgrewtooneartheseawind，andthebrineOflife，thisloveofmine。
Thissheafwasspoiledinspring，Andover—longwasgreen，andearlysere，AndnevergatheredgoldinthelateyearFromautumnsuns，andmoonsofharvesting，Butfailedinfrostsofspring。
Yetwasitthinemysweet，Thislove，thoughweakasyoungcornwithered，Whereofnomanmaygatherandmakebread；
Thine，thoughitneverknewthesummerheat；
Forgetnotquite，mysweet。
ANOLDPRAYER。
[GreektextwhichcannotbereproducedODYSSEY，xiii。59。]
MYprayeranoldprayerborroweth，Ofancientloveandmemory—
’Dothoufarewell，tillEldandDeath，Thatcometoallmen，cometothee。’
Gentlyaswinter’searlybreath，Scarcefelt，whattimetheswallowsflee，TolandswhereofNOMANKNOWETH
Ofsummer，overlandandsea；
Sowiththysoulmaysummerbe，Evenastheancientsingersaith，’Dothoufarewell，tillEldandDeath，Thatcometoallmen，cometothee。’
LOVE’SMIRACLE。
WITHotherhelplessfolkaboutthegate，ThegatecalledBeautiful，withwearyeyesThattakenopleasureinthesummerskies，Norallthingsthatarefairest，doesshewait；
Sobleakatime，sosadachangelessfateMakesherwithdullexperienceearlywise，Andinthedawningandthesunset，sighsThatallhathbeen，andshallbe，desolate。
Ah，ifLovecomenotsoon，andbidherlive，Andknowherselfthefairestoffairthings，Ah，ifhehavenohealinggifttogive，Warmfromhisbreast，andholyfromhiswings，OrifatleastLove’sshadowinpassingbyTouchnotandhealher，surelyshemustdie。
DREAMS。
HEspakenottruth，howeverwise，whosaidThathappy，andthathaplessmeninsleepHaveequalfortune，fallenfromcareasdeepAscountless，careless，racesofthedead。
Notso，foralienpathsofdreamswetread，AndonebeholdsthefacesthathesighsInvaintobringbeforehisdayliteyes，Andwaking，heremembersonhisbed；
AndonewithfaintingheartandfeeblehandFightsadimbattleinadoubtfulland，Wherestrengthandcouragewereofnoavail；
AndoneisborneonfairybreezesfarTothebrightharboursofagoldenstarDownfragrantfleetingwatersrosypale。
FAIRYLAND。
INlightofsunriseandsunsetting，Thelongdayslingered，inforgettingThateverpassion，keentoholdWhatmaynottarry，wasofold，Inlandsbeyondthewearywold；
BeyondthebitterstreamwhosefloodRunsredwaist—highwithslainmen’sblood。
Wasbeautyonceathingthatdied？
Waspleasureneversatisfied？
WasreststillbrokenbythevainDesireofaction，bringingpain，Todieinlanguidrestagain？
Allthiswasquiteforgottenthere，Whereneverwinterchilledtheyear，Norspringbroughtpromiseunfulfilled，Nor，withtheeagersummerkilled，Thelanguiddaysdroopedautumnwards。
SomagicalaseasonguardsTheconstantprimeofacoolJune；
Soslumbrousistheriver’stune，Thatknowsnothunderofheavyrains，Noreverinthesummerwanes，LikewatersofthesummertimeInlandsfarfromtheFairyclime。
Yea，theretheFairymaidsarekind，WithnothingofthechangefulmindOfmaidensinthedaysthatwere；
AndifnolaughterfillstheairWithsoundofsilvermurmurings，AndifnoprayerofpassionbringsAlovenighdeadtolifeagain，Yetsighsmoresubtlysweetremain，Andsmilesthatneversatiate，Andlovesthatfearscarceanyfate。
Alas，nowordscanbringthebloomOfFairyLand；thefaintperfume，Thesweetlowlight，themagicair，Toeyesofwhohasnotbeenthere：
Alas，nowords，noranyspellCanlulltheeyesthatknowtoowell，ThelostfairworldofFairyLand。
Ah，wouldthatIhadneverbeenTheloveroftheFairyQueen！
Orwouldthatthroughthesleepytown，ThegreyoldplaceofErcildoune，Andallalongthelittlestreet，Thesoftfallofthewhitedeer’sfeetCame，withthemysticalcommandThatImustbacktoFairyLand！
TWOSONNETSOFTHESIRENS。
[’LesSirenesestoienttantintimesamiesetfidellescompagnesdeProserpine，qu’ellesestoienttoujoursensemble。Esmuesdujustedeuildelapertedeleurcherecompagne，etenuyeesjusquesaudesespoir，elless’arresterentelamerSicilienne，ouparleurschantsellesattiroientlesnavigans，maisl’uniquefindelavolupedeleurmusiqueestlaMort。’—PONTUSDETYARD。1570。]
I。
THESirensonceweremaidensinnocentThatthroughthewater—meadswithProserpinePluckednofire—heartedflowers，butwerecontentCoolfritillariesandflag—flowerstotwine，Withlilieswovenandwithwetwoodbine；
TilloncetheysoughtthebrightAEtnaeanflowers，AndtheirbrightmistressfledfromsummerhoursWithHades，downtheirremeabledecline。
AndtheyhavesoughtherallthewideworldthroughTillmanyyears，andwisdom，andmuchwrongHavefilledandchangedtheirsong，ando’ertheblueRingsdeadlysweetthemagicofthesong，AndwhosohearsmustlistentillhedieFaronthefloweryshoresofSicily。
II。
Soisitwiththissingingartofours，Thatoncewithmaidswentmaidenlike，andplayedWithwovendancesinthepoplar—shade，Andallhersongwasbutoflady’sbowersAndthereturningswallows，andspring—flowers，Tillforthtoseekashadow—queenshestrayed，Ashadowyland；andnowhathoverweighedHersingingchapletwiththesnowandshowers。
Yea，fairwell—waterforthebitterbrineSheleft，andbythemarginoflife’sseaSings，andhersongisfullofthesea’smoan，Andwildwithdread，andloveofProserpine；
Andwhosooncehaslistenedtoher，heHiswholelifelongisslavetoheralone。
ALABELLEHELENE。
AFTERRONSARD。
MOREcloselythantheclingingvineAbouttheweddedtree，Claspthouthinearms，ah，mistressmine！
Abouttheheartofme。
Orseemtosleep，andstoopyourfaceSoftonmysleepingeyes，Breatheinyourlife，yourheart，yourgrace，Throughme，inkissingwise。
Bowdown，bowdownyourface，Ipray，Tome，thatswoontodeath，Breathebackthelifeyoukissedaway，Breathebackyourkissingbreath。
SobyyoureyesIswearandsay，Mymightyoathandsure，FromyourkindarmsnomaidenmayMylovingheartallure。
I’llbearyouryoke，that’slightenough，AndtotheElysianplain，Whenwearedeadoflove，mylove，Oneboatshallbearustwain。
They’llflockaroundyou，fleetandfair，Alltruelovesthathavebeen，Andyouofalltheshadowsthere，Shallbetheshadowqueen。
AHSHADOW—LOVES，ANDSHADOW—LIPS！
AH，WHILE’TISCALLEDTO—DAY，LOVEME，MYLOVE，FORSUMMERSLIPS，ANDAUGUSTEBBSAWAY。
SYLVIEETAURELIE。
[INMEMORYOFGERARDDENERVAL。]
TWOlovestherewere，andonewasbornBetweenthesunsetandtherain；
Hersingingvoicewentthroughthecorn，Herdancewaswoven’neaththethorn，Ongrassthefallenblossomsstain；
Andsunsmayset，andmoonsmaywane，Butthislovecomesnomoreagain。
ThereweretwolovesandonemadewhiteThysinginglips，andgoldenhair；
Bornofthecity’smireandlight，Theshameandsplendourofthenight，Shetrappedandfledtheeunaware；
NotthroughthelamplightandtherainShaltthoubeholdthisloveagain。
Goforthandseek，bywoodandhill，Thineancientloveofdawnanddew；
Therecomesnovoicefrommereorrill，Herdanceisover，fallenstillTheballadburdensthatsheknew；
Andthoumustwaitforherinvain，Tillyearsbringbackthyyouthagain。
Thatotherlove，afield，afarFledthelightlove，withlighterfeet。
Nay，thoughthouseekwheregravesteadsare，Andflitindreamsfromstartostar，Thatdeadloveshaltthounevermeet，TillthroughbleakdawnandblowingrainThyfledsoulfindhersoulagain。
ALOSTPATH。
[Plotinus，theGreekphilosopher，hadacertainpropermodeofecstasy，whereby，asPorphyrysaith，hissoul，becomingfreefromhisdeathlyflesh，wasmadeonewiththeSpiritthatisintheWorld。]
ALAS，thepathislost，wecannotleaveOurbright，ourcloudedlife，andpassawayAsthroughstrewnclouds，thatstainthequieteve，Toheightsremoterofthepurerday。
Thesoulmaynot，returningwhenceshecame，BatheherselfdeepinBeing，andforgetThejoysthatfever，andthecaresthatfret，MadeoncemoreonewiththeeternalflameThatbreathesinallthingsevermorethesame。
Shewouldbeyoungagain，thusdrinkingdeepOfheroldlife；andthishasbeen，mensay，Butthisweknownot，whohaveonlysleepTosootheus，sleepmoreterriblethanday，Wheredeaddelights，andfairlostfacesstray，Tomakeuswearyatourwakening；
Andofthatlong—lostpathtotheDivineWedream，assomeGreekshepherderstmightsing，Halfcredulous，ofeasyProserpineAndofthelandsthatlie’beneaththeday’sdecline。’
THESHADEOFHELEN。
[SomesaythatHelenwentnevertoTroy，butabodeinEgypt；fortheGods，havingmadeinhersemblanceawomanoutofcloudsandshadows，sentthesametobewifetoParis。ForthisshadowthentheGreeksandTrojanssleweachother。]
WHYfromthequiethollowsofthehills，Andextrememeetingplaceoflightandshade，Whereinsoftrainsfellslowly，andbecameCloudsamongsisterclouds，wherefairspentbeamsAnddyinggloriesofthesunwoulddwell，WhyhavetheywhomIknownot，normayknow，Strangehands，unseenandruthless，fashionedme，Andbornemefromthesilentshadowyhills，Hither，tonoiseandglowofalienlife，Toharshandclamorousswords，andsoundofwar？
Onespeaksuntomewordsthatwouldbesweet，Madeharsh，madekeenwithlovethatknowsmenot，Andsomestrangeforce，withinmeoraround，Makesanswer，kissforkiss，andsighforsigh，Andsomewherethereisfeverinthehalls，Thattroublesme，fornosuchtroublecameTovexthecoolfarhollowsofthehills。
Thefoolishfolkcrowdroundme，andtheycry，Thathouse，andwife，andlands，andallTroytown，Arelittletolose，iftheymaykeepmehere，Andseemeflit，apaleandsilentshade，Amongthestreetsbereft，andhelplessshrines。
Atotherhoursanotherlifeseemsmine，Whereonegreatriverrunsunswollenofrain，Bypyramidsofunrememberedkings，AndhomesofmenobedienttotheDead。
TheredarkandquietfacescomeandgoAroundme，thenagaintheshriekofarms，AndalltheturmoiloftheIlianmen。
Whatarethey？EvenshadowssuchasI。
Whatmakethey？Eventhis—thesportofGods—
ThesportofGods，howeverfreetheyseem。
Ahwouldthegamewereended，andthelight，Theblindinglight，andalltoomightysuns，Withdrawn，andIoncemorewithsistershades，Unloved，forgotten，mingledwiththemist，Dweltinthehollowsoftheshadowyhills。
Ah，would’twerethecloud’splaytime，whenthesunClothesusinraimentofarosyflame，Andthroughtheskyweflit，andgathergrey，Likementhatleavetheirgoldenyouthbehind，Andthroughtheirwind—drivenwaystheygathergrey，Andwelikethemgrowwan，andthechillEastReceivesus，astheEarthacceptsallmen，—
ButWEawaitthedawnofanewday。
SONNETSTOPOETS。
I。—JACQUESTAHUREAU。1530。
AHthou！that，undeceivedandunregretting，Saw’stDeathsoneartheeonthefloweryway，Andwithnosighthatlifewasnearthesetting，Took’stthedelightanddallianceoftheday，Happythouwert，toliveandpassawayErelifeorlovehaddonetheeanywrong；
Erethywreathfaded，orthylocksgrewgrey，OrsummercametolullthineAprilsong，Sweetasallshapesofsweetthingsunfulfilled，Budsbloomless，andthebrokenviolet，Thefirstspringdays，thesoundsandscentsthereof；
Soclearthyfireofsong，soearlychilled，Sobrief，sobrightthylifethatgailymetDeath，forthyDeathcamehandinhandwithLove。
II。—FRANCOISVILLON。1450。
LIST，allthatlovelightmirth，lighttears，andallThatknowtheheartofshamefulloves，orpure；
Thatknowdelightsdepart，desiresendure，Afeveredtribeofghostsfunereal，Widowedofdeaddelightsgoneoutofcall；
List，allthatdeemthegloryoftheroseIsbriefaslastyear’ssuns，orlastyear’ssnowsThenewsunsmeltfromoffthesundial。
AllthisyourmasterVillonknewandsung；
Despiseddelights，andfaintforedonedesire；
Andshame，adeathlessworm，aquenchlessfire；
Andlaughterfromtheheart’slastsorrowwrung，Whenhalf—repentancebutmakesevilwhole，Andprayerthatcannothelpwearsoutthesoul。
III。—PIERRERONSARD。1560。
MASTER，Iseetheewiththelocksofgrey，CrownedbytheMuseswiththelaurel—wreath；
Iseetheroseshidingunderneath，Cassandra’sgift；shewaslessdearthanthey。
Thou，Master，firsthastrousedthelyriclay，Thesleepingsongthatthedeadyearsbequeath，HastsungsweetanswertothesongsthatbreatheThroughages，andthroughagesfaraway。
Yea，andintheethepulseofancientpassionLeaped，andthenymphsamidthespring—waterMadebaretheirlovelylimbsintheoldfashion，Andbirds’songinthebrancheswasastir。
Ah，butthysongsaresad，thyroseswan，ThybeeshavefedonyewsSardinian。
IV。—GERARDDENERVAL。
OFallthatwerethyprisons—ah，untamed，Ah，lightandsacredsoul！—noneholdstheenow；
Nowall，nobar，nobodyofflesh，butthouArtfreeandhappyinthelandsunnamed，Aboutwhosegates，withwearywingsandmaimed，Thoumostwertwonttolinger，enteringthereAmoment，andreturningrapt，withfairTidingsthatmenorheedednotorblamed；
Andtheywouldsmileandwonder，seeingwhereThoustood’st，towatchlightleaves，orclouds，orwind，Dreamilymurmuringaballadair，CaughtfromtheValoispeasants；dostthoufindOldpropheciesfulfillednow，oldtalestrueInthenewworld，whereallthingsaremadenew？
V。—THEDEATHOFMIRANDOLA。1494。
[’TheQueenofHeavenappeared，comfortinghimandpromisingthatheshouldnotutterlydie。’—THOMASMORE，LIFEOFPIENS，EARLOF
MIRANDOLA。]
STRANGEliliescamewithautumn；newandoldWeremingling，andtheoldworldpassedaway，Andthenightgathered，andtheshadowsgreyDimmedthekindeyesanddimmedthelocksofgold，AndfacebelovedofMirandola。
TheVirginthen，tocomforthimandstay，Kissedthethincheek，andkissedthelipsacold，Thelipsunkissedofwomenmanyaday。
Norshealone，forqueensoftheoldcreed，LikerivalqueensthattendedArthur，thereWeregathered，Venusinhermourningweed，PallasandDian；wise，andpure，andfairWashetheymourned，wholivingdidnotwrongOnealtarofitsduesofwineandsong。
Footnotes：
（1）Aphrodite—Avril。
（2）FromtheRomaic。
