Page:Poems and ballads (IA poemsballads00swinrich).pdf/236

 Shall we not laugh, shall we not weep, Not we, though this be as it is? For love awake or love asleep Ends in a laugh, a dream, a kiss, A song like this.

I that have slept awake, and you Sleep, who last year were well awake. Though love do all that love can do, My heart will never ache or break For your heart’s sake.

The great sea, faultless as a flower, Throbs, trembling under beam and breeze, And laughs with love of the amorous hour. I found you fairer once, Félise, Than flowers or seas.

We played at bondsman and at queen; But as the days change men change too; I find the grey sea’s notes of green, The green sea’s fervent flakes of blue, More fair than you.

Your beauty is not over fair Now in mine eyes, who am grown up wise. The smell of flowers in all your hair Allures not now; no sigh replies If your heart sighs.