Bird-Notes by Evelyn Douglas [i.e. J. E. Barlas] |
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| I. | I.
The Dirge of the Roses. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| VIII. |
| IX. |
| X. |
| IX. |
| XII. |
| XIII. |
| XIV. |
| XV. |
| XVI. |
| XVII. |
| XVIII. |
| XIX. |
| XX. |
| XXI. |
| XXII. |
| XXIII. |
| XXIV. |
| XXV. |
| XXVI. |
| XXVII. |
| XXVIII. |
| XXIX. |
| XXX. |
| XXXI. |
| XXXII. |
| XXXIII. |
| XXXIV. |
| XXXV. |
| XXXVI. |
| XXXVII. |
| XXXVIII. |
| XXXIX. |
 | Bird-Notes |  |
9
I. The Dirge of the Roses.
Music, odour, moon
Work within youth's blood.
Who shall say how soon
The roses bud?
Work within youth's blood.
Who shall say how soon
The roses bud?
Nay I know not, only this—
All the world's not worth a kiss.
All the world's not worth a kiss.
Pleasure, passion, fate
Ripen sure and slow,
Who shall say how late
The roses blow?
Ripen sure and slow,
Who shall say how late
The roses blow?
Nay I know not, only this—
Manhood comes ere well we wis.
Manhood comes ere well we wis.
Care, disease, decay
Are busy hither thither.
Who shall say what day
The roses wither?
Are busy hither thither.
Who shall say what day
The roses wither?
Nay I know not, only this—
There is something that we miss.
There is something that we miss.
10
Age, and cold, and rime
Work in hidden shade.
Who shall tell the time
The roses fade?
Work in hidden shade.
Who shall tell the time
The roses fade?
Nay I know not, only this—
Old age hath but little bliss.
Old age hath but little bliss.
Name him not—but Death
Breathes in every sigh.
Who sees with what breath
The roses die?
Breathes in every sigh.
Who sees with what breath
The roses die?
Nay I know not, only this—
I am ready when Death is.
I am ready when Death is.
| Bird-Notes | |