Nay, be not June, nor yet December, dear,

But April always, as I find thee now:

A constant freshness unto me be thou,

And not the ripeness that must soon be sere.

Why should I be Time’s dupe, and wish more near

The sobering harvest of thy vernal vow?

I am content, so still across thy brow

Returning smile chase transitory tear.

Then scatter thy April heart in sunny showers;

I crave nor Summer drouth nor Winter sleet:

As Spring be fickle, so thou be as sweet;

With half-kept promise tantalise the hours;

And let Love’s frolic hands and woodland feet

Fill high the lap of Life with wilding flowers.


Alfred Austin
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