Constancy

Old lilac bushes thin and grey

In wistful longing sigh

Dishevelled roses blush in vain;

No mistress lingers by.

The tansy creeps e'en to the door

Through garden tangles sweet

Gaunt apple trees their wizened fruit,

Strew at the master's feet;

And lo! a cricket bravely chirps

Throughout the lonely house,

But those who lov'd there long ago;

They sleep too deep to 'rouse.

Yet keep, O keep your trust to heart,

'Twill never last now long:

For house and ye shall pass away,

Yea! even as my song, my song.