Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
V. Cautions and ComplaintsAffaire dAmour
Margaret Deland (18571945)For E. W. W.
O
Flying Summer paused,
They say:
And growing bolder,
O’er rosy shoulder
Threw her lover such a glance
That Autumn’s heart began to dance.
(O happy lover!)
Thought for him she smiled,
I ’m told;
And, stirred by love,
His sleeping sap did move,
Decking each naked branch with green
To show her that her look was seen!
(Alas, poor lover!)
Nor knew he loved her!
’T is said
The peach-tree sighed,
And soon he gladly died:
And Autumn, weary of the chase
Came on at Winter’s sober pace
(O careless lover!)