Hope lies dying, Time's disproof
Strips love's roses to the stings;
But the bird that knows its wings
Bear it where it will aloof,
Sings not, Love, as my heart sings
When I see you.
Theo. Marzials.
CARPE DIEM.
To-day, what is there in the air
That makes December seem sweet May?
There are no swallows anywhere,
Nor crocuses to crown your hair,
And hail you down my garden way.
Last night the full moon's frozen stare
Struck me, perhaps; or did you say
Really,—you'd come, sweet friend and fair!
To-day?
To-day is here:—come! crown to-day
With Spring's delight or Spring's despair,
Love cannot bide old Time's delay:—
Down my glad gardens light winds play,
And my whole life shall bloom and bear
To-day.
Theo. Marzials.
THE OLD AND THE NEW.
The Old Year goes down-hill so slow
And silent that he seems to know
The mighty march of time, foretelling
His passing: into his eyelids welling
Come tears of bitter pain and woe.