To change us to the sere and brown,
Since we in verdant freshness first
Assumed the triple-chevroned gown,
As I perused The Times this very day week
Your statement thrilled me through and through—
How people still go gathering nuts in May-week
Much as they used to do.
The courts their dun-grey habit keep,
Their velvet-green the sacred lawns;
The rooks that marred our matin sleep