SONGS
231
Ere he learns to live.
—Ah, friend, in thy deep grave,
What now can change, what now can save?
PART IV
SONGS
"BECAUSE THE ROSE MUST FADE"
Because the rose must fade,
Shall I not love the rose?
Because the summer shade
Passes when winter blows,
Shall I not rest me there
In the cool air?
Because the sunset sky
Makes music in my soul,
Only to fail and die,
Shall I not take the whole
Of beauty that it gives
While yet it lives?
Because the sweet of youth
Doth vanish all too soon,
Shall I forget, forsooth,
To learn its lingering tune;
My joy to memorize
In those young eyes?
If, like the summer flower
That blooms—a fragrant death,
Keen music hath no power
To live beyond its breath,
