Because the rose

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?

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?

Because the sweet of youth

Doth vanish all too soon,

Shall I forget, forsooth,

To learn its lingering tune;

My joy to memorise

In those young eyes?

It, 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!

Ah, yes, because the rose

Fades like the sunset skies;

Because rude winter blows

All bare, and music dies---

Therefore, now is to me

Eternity!