Shake the whole tree in the summer-prime,

But bring to the last leaf no such test!

"Hold the last fast!" runs the rhyme.

For a chance to make your little much,

To gain a lover and lose a friend,

Venture the tree and a myriad such,

When nothing you mar but the year can mend:

But a last leaf—fear to touch!

Yet should it unfasten itself and fall

Eddying down till it find your face