I
BECAUSE the rose must fade,
Shall I not love the rose?
Because the summer shade
Passes when winter blows,
Shall I not rest me there
In the cool air?
II
Because the sunset sky
Makes music in my soul,
Only to fail and die,
Shall I not take the whole
Of beauty that it gives
While yet it lives?
III
Because the sweet of youth
Doth vanish all too soon
Shall I forget, forsooth,
To learn its lingering tune;
My joy to memorize
In those young eyes?
IV
If, like the summer flower
That blooms, —a fragrant death, —
Keen music hath no power
To live beyond its breath,
Then of this flood of song
Let me drink long!
V
All, yes, because the rose
Doth fade like sunset skies;
Because rude winter blows
All bare, and music dies—
Therefore, now is to me
Eternity!