LOVE'S NIGHT

To know, to esteem, to love ·

and then to part,

Makes up life's tale to many a feeling heart.

S. T. COLERIDGE

Alas, how easily things go wrong!
A sigh too much or a kiss too long;
There comes a mist and a blinding rain,
And things are never the same again.

A

ALAS THE SONGS!

LAS the songs! - the songs of Love and Youth

The burgeoning of Spring!

Give ye no ear! no ear! For Love in truth,
Love is a bitter thing.

Sorrow of unborn years to him who sips

Of that sweet stinging wine.

What savor now thereof upon our lips

On mine and thine?

Once did we quaff the juice intoxicate

With promise of the years.

"Bide ye the lees!" they cried. We let them prate.

We had no fears.

The end has fallen upon us over-soon,

The promise is forsworn.

The day should yet be high: 'tis afternoon;

And Night is born.

JOHN W. DE LYS