Page:The poems of Edmund Clarence Stedman, 1908.djvu/448

VARIOUS POEMS Seem Youth's divine extortion

In which we have no portion.

Though flowers of May be springing

And I my songs are singing,

Thy blood no wit the faster

Doth flow, my ancient Master!"

Age is by Youth delighted,

Youth is by Age affrighted;

Blithe sunny May and joysome

Still finds December noisome.

Alack! a guest unbidden,

Howe'er our feast be hidden,

Doth enter with the feaster

And make a Lent of Easter!

I would thou wert not able

To seat thee at our table;

I would that altogether

From this thy wintry weather,

Since Youth and Love must leave us,

Death might at once retrieve us.

Old wizard, ill betide ye!

I cannot yet abide ye!

Ah, Youth, sweet Youth, I love ye!

There's naught on Earth above ye!

Thou purling bird uncaged

That never wilt grow aged,

To whom each day is giving

Increase of joyous living!

Soft words to thee are spoken,

For thee strong vows are broken,

All loves and lovers cluster,

To bask them in thy lustre.

Ah, girlhood, pout and dimple,

Half hid beneath the wimple! 418