ALFRED DOMETT.

1811-1887.

A GLEE FOR WINTER. H ence, rude Winter! crabbed old fellow, Never merry, never mellow! Well-a-day! in rain and snow What will keep one’s heart aglow? Groups of kinsmen, old and young, Oldest they old friends among! Groups of friends, so old and true, That they seem our kinsmen too! These all merry all together, Charm away chill Winter weather! What will kill this dull old fellow? Ale that ’s bright, and wine that ’s mellow! Dear old songs for ever new; Some true love, and laughter too; Pleasant wit, and harmless fun, And a dance when day is done! Music—friends so true and tried— Whispered love by warm fireside— Mirth at all times all together— Make sweet May of Winter weather!
A KISS.
SAPPHO TO PHAON. I. S weet mouth! O let me take One draught from that delicious cup! The hot Sahara-thirst to slake That burns me up! II. Sweet breath!—all flowers that are, Within that darling frame must bloom; My heart revives so at the rare Divine perfume! III. —Nay, ’t is a dear deceit, A drunkard’s cup that mouth of thine; Sure poison-flowers are breathing, sweet, That fragrance fine! IV. I drank—the drink betrayed me Into a madder, fiercer fever; The scent of those love-blossoms made me More faint than ever! V. Yet though quick death it were That rich heart-vintage I must drain, And quaff that hidden garden’s air, Again—again!