92 . A Dirge

STREW the flowers at Love’s behest

Meet for such a lovely guest;

Coronal the sapling weaves,

Rainbows wrought by Spring of leaves.

Blackwood blossom, hither bring,

To perfume her slumbering.

Heap above the mountain tomb,

Scarlet eucalyptus bloom,

Wreath of starry clematis,

Visited by Artemis;

Bluebell garlands, hither bear—

All the flowers, she loved to wear.

Here the magpies love to croon.

From the dawn, to rising moon,

Flutes the sweet harmonious thrush,

In the early morning hush;

Shyly sings the oriole,

All the day the bell-birds toll.

Softly moves the wind that blows,

When the Day’s red petals close;

And, remembering past delight,

Dream of her, the stars of night,

Though no more the stars arise,

Set within her darkened eyes.

Whisper wind, and glimmer star,

Blossom breathe thy sweet afar,

‘Love intones the master word’

Is the song of every bird;

Here, he stands with Death in thrall,

Keeping Beauty’s festival.