University of Virginia Library


75

A SONG OF SPRING AND AUTUMN

In the season of white wild roses
We two went hand in hand:
But now in the ruddy autumn
Together already we stand.
O pale pearl-necklace that wander'd
O'er the white-thorn's tangled head!
The white-thorn is turn'd to russet,
The pearls to purple and red!
On the topmost orchard branches
It then was crimson and snow;
Where now the gold-red apples
Burn on the turf below.
And between the trees the children
In and out run hand in hand;
And, with smiles that answer their smiling,
We two together stand.