“ALL THINGS IN THE WORLD MUST CHANGE.”

Would’st thou have it always Spring,

Though she cometh flower-laden?

Though sweet-throated birds do sing?

Thou would’st weary of it, Maiden.

Dost thou never feel desire

That thy womanhood were nearer?

Doth thy loving heart ne’er tire,

Longing yet for something dearer?

Would’st have Summer ever stay—

Droughty Summer—bright and burning?

Dost thou not, oft in the day,

Long for still, cool, night’s returning?

Dost thou not grow weary, Youth,

Of thy pleasures, vain though pleasant—

Thinking Life has more of Truth

Than the satiating present?

Would’st have Autumn never go?

(Autumn, Winter’s wealthy neighbour),

Stacks would rise, and wine-press flow

Vainly, did’st thou always labour.

When thy child is on thy knee

And thy heart with love’s o’erflowing,

Dost thou never long to see

What is in the future’s showing?

When old Winter, cold and hoar,

Cometh, blowing his ten fingers,

Hanging ice-drops on the door

Whilst he at the threshold lingers,

Would’st thou ever vigil keep

With a mate so full of sorrow?

Better to thy bed and sleep,

Nor wake till th’ Eternal morrow!