Classic Poem

I.

The fleet-winged sea-bird stays not for the sea,
Nor thou for me
O love most fleet!
The strongest prayer that passionate love can pray
Holds not one day
The rose's feet.

II.

God weeps each night to see the flying beams
And golden gleams
Of stars that fail.
Love's very soul would die to hold the flowers,
But sweetest bowers
Turn soonest pale.

III.

One little moment, love, I hold thee fast;
Then is its past?
One fairy day!
One little tender moment;—ah, how soon
The woods of June
Turn gaunt and grey!