Sonnet
Reading edition
Come, Death, be imminent while I carouse To thee; press close against thy meagre lips This brimming cup, in which my whole soul dips Its daily ecstasy. Old loves, fierce vows, All I lift up to thee. I will forget, To see thy merriment, two merry eyes And a voice’s laughter. I will grow so wise That there will be no leisure for regret. Sweet Death, so swiftly was thy captive taken He never knew—and now the Spring is here. How he would smile to see the young leaves shaken Whisperingly. He held the Summer dear.... Thou cursed Death, he was my very heart! Set down the cup, I cannot play the part. FRANK D. ASHBURN.