Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

William Morris 1834–96

From “The Earthly Paradise.” VII. Antiphony

Morris-Wm

Hæc

IN the white-flower’d hawthorn brake,

Love, be merry for my sake;

Twine the blossoms in my hair,

Kiss me where I am most fair—

Kiss me, love! for who knoweth

What thing cometh after death?

Ille

Nay, the garlanded gold hair

Hides thee where thou art most fair;

Hides the rose-tinged hills of snow—

Ah, sweet love, I have thee now!

Kiss me, love! for who knoweth

What thing cometh after death?

Hæc

Shall we weep for a dead day,

Or set Sorrow in our way?

Hidden by my golden hair,

Wilt thou weep that sweet days wear?

Kiss me, love! for who knoweth

What thing cometh after death?

Ille

Weep, O Love, the days that flit,

Now, while I can feel thy breath;

Then may I remember it

Sad and old, and near my death.

Kiss me, love! for who knoweth

What thing cometh after death?