A SONG. F irst the fine, faint, dreamy motion Of the tender blood Circling in the veins of children— This is Life, the bud. Next the fresh, advancing beauty Growing from the gloom, Waking eyes and fuller bosom— This is Life, the bloom. Then the pain that follows after, Grievous to be borne, Pricking, steeped in subtle poison— This is Love, the thorn.
SONG. W ait but a little while— The bird will bring A heart in tune for melodies Unto the spring, Till he who ’s in the cedar there Is moved to trill a song so rare, And pipe her fair. Wait but a little while— The bud will break; The inner rose will ope and glow For summer’s sake; Fond bees will lodge within her breast Till she herself is plucked and prest Where I would rest. Wait but a little while— The maid will grow Gracious with lips and hands to thee, With breast of snow. To-day Love ’s mute, but time hath sown A soul in her to match thine own, Though yet ungrown.

EDMUND GOSSE.

1849.

SONG FOR THE LUTE. I bring a garland for your head Of blossoms fresh and fair; My own hands wound their white and red To ring about your hair: Here is a lily, here a rose, A warm narcissus that scarce blows, And fairer blossoms no man knows. So crowned and chapleted with flowers, I pray you be not proud; For after brief and summer hours Comes autumn with a shroud;— Though fragrant as a flower you lie, You and your garland, bye and bye, Will fade and wither up and die.

THOMAS HOOD.