Like as the snow with sunshine is dissolved,
And keen and angry winds are hushed to peace,
And frost by new-born Spring is all resolved
In gentleness, and birds have sweet release,
And ring with throbbing breasts perpetual bliss:
So I, that after snow and wind and storm
Have felt the sunny season's sweetest kiss,
Sing through the day and night and happy morn;
And if, as mortals may, I weary grow
Of love's too gentle round; in noble deed
I may make loving conquest of my foe,
And then present the spoils with full-winged speed
To Love, and only find her sweetness grown
From bud to flower of rose I had not known.