Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/734

JOHN KENYON And true it is they cross in pain Who sober cross the Stygian ferry: But only make our Styx champagne, And we shall cross right merry, Floating away on wine!

Old Charon's self shall make him mellow, Then gaily row his boat from shore, While we and every jovial fellow, Hear unconcern'd the oar That dips itself in wine!

THOMAS LOVE PEACOCK 1785-1866 Love and Age

PLAY'D with you 'mid cowslips blowing, When I was six and you were four, When garlands weaving, flower-balls throwing, Were pleasures soon to please no more. Through groves and meads, o'er grass and heather, With little playmates, to and fro, We wander'd hand in hand together; But that was sixty years ago.

You grew a lovely roseate maiden, And still our early love was strong; Still with no care our days were laden, They glided joyously along; And I did love you very dearly, How dearly words want power to show; I thought your heart was touch'd as nearly; But that was fifty years ago. 702