Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.
Nuptial SongLord de Tabley (John Byrne Leicester Warren) (18351895)
S
Day I hear coming to draw my Love away.
As mere-waves whisper, and clouds grow crisper,
Ah, like a rose he will waken up with day!
I share with none when Luna rides in grey.
As dawn-beams quicken, my rivals thicken,
The light and deed and turmoil of the day.
Than any waking words my Love can say;
In dream he finds me and closer winds me!
Let him rest by me a little more and stay.
My lips, on his be tender while you may;
Ere leaves are shaken, and ring-doves waken,
And infant buds begin to scent new day.
Shed each one slowly from thine urn, I pray;
Hoard in and cover each from my lover;
I cannot lose him yet; dear night, delay!
My hair shall blind thee lest thou see the ray;
My locks encumber thine ears in slumber,
Lest any bird dare give thee note of day.
Hand within hand, as children after play;—
In shafted amber on roof and chamber
Dawn enters; my Love wakens; here is day.