Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
Song: ‘Seek not the tree of silkiest bark’Aubrey Thomas de Vere (1814–1902)
S
And balmiest bud,
To carve her name while yet ’tis dark
Upon the wood!
The world is full of noble tasks
And wreaths hard won;
Each work demands strong hearts, strong hands,
Till day is done.
That cheek’s pale roses,
The lily of that form wherein
Her soul reposes!
Forth to the fight, true man! true knight!
The clash of arms
Shall more prevail than whisper’d tale
To win her charms.
Fights in Love’s name;
The love that lures thee from the fight
Lures thee to shame:
That love which lifts the heart, yet leaves
The spirit free,—
That love, or none, is fit for one
Man-shaped like thee.