Noon after noon I watched the Bulbuls build,

And saw with hungry eyes the Sun-birds pair.

None came, and none will come; no use to wait,—

Youth’s fragrance dies, its tender light dies down.

I will arise, before it grows too late,

And seek the noisy brilliance of the town.

These many waiting years I longed for gold,

Now must I needs console me with alloy.

Before this beauty fades, this pulse grows cold,

I may not love, I will at least enjoy!