September
C. Ives
And in September, O what keen delight!
Falcons and astors astors, merlins, sparrow-hawks;
Decoy-birds that shall lure your game in flocks;
And hounds with [bells: and gauntlets stout and tight;
Wide pouches; crossbows] shooting out of sight;
Arblasts and javelins; balls and ball-cases;
[All birds the best to fly at; moulting these,
Those reared by hand; with finches mean and slight;
And for their chase,] all birds the best to fly;
And each to each of you be lavish still
In gifts; and robbery find no gainsaying;
And if you meet with travellers going by,
Their purses from your purse's flow shall fill;
And Avarice be the only outcast thing.