BECAUSE THE ROSE MUST FADE 127 



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 memorise 

 In those young eyes ? 



If, like the summer flower 



That blooms a fragrant death, 



Keen music hath no power 

 To live beyond its breath, 



Then of this flood of song 



Let me drink long ! 



Ah, yes, because the rose 

 Fades like the sunset skies ; 



Because rude winter blows 

 All bare, and music dies 



Therefore, now is to me 



Eternity ! 



RICHARD WATSON GILDER. 



