Invitation

Come when Spring touches with gentle finger

The snows that linger

Among the hills;

When to our homestead return the swallows,

And in the hollows

Bloom daffodils.

Or, if thou tarry, come with the Summer,

That welcome comer,

Welcome as he;

When noon-tide sunshine beats on the meadow,

A seat in shadow

We'll keep for thee.

Or, if it please thee, come to the reaping,

When to safe keeping

They bring the sheaves;

When Autumn decketh with coloured splendour

And pathos tender

The dying leaves.

Or come and warm us when Winter freezes,

And northern breezes

Are keen and cold,

With loving glances, and close hand-pressings,

And fervent blessings

That grow not old.

Nay! do not linger; for each to-morrow

Will break in sorrow

If thou delay:

Come to us quickly; our hearts are burning

With tender yearning:

Come, come to-day.