Withering

R. Hugill

Fade, tender lily,

Fade, O crimson rose,

Fade every flower,

Sweetest flower that blows.

Go, Chilly autumn,

Come, O winter cold;

Let the green stalks die away

Into common mould.

Birth follows hard on death,

Life on withering;

Hasten, we will come the sooner

Back to pleasant spring.