Lies dark; — then be it so.

Now, now, churl Time is flying;

Seek not, O Maid, to know

When thou and I must go.

THE PRODIGALS.

"PRINCES! — and you, most valorous, Nobles and Barons of all degrees!

Hearken awhile to the prayer of us,

Beggars that come from the over-seas! Nothing we ask or of gold or fees; Harry us not with the hounds we pray;

Lo, for the surcote's hem we seize,

Give us ah! give us - but Yesterday!"

"Dames most delicate, amorous!

Damosels blithe as the belted bees! Hearken awhile to the prayer of us,

Beggars that come from the over-seas! Nothing we ask of the things that please; Weary are we, and worn, and gray;

Lo,

for we clutch and we clasp your knees,

Give us ah! give us - but Yesterday!"

"Damosels - Dames, be piteous!"

(But the dames rode fast by the roadway

trees.)

"Hear us, O Knights magnanimous !"

(But the knights pricked on in their pano

plies.)

Nothing they gat or of hope or ease,
But only to beat on the breast and say:·
"Life we drank to the dregs and lees;
Give us―ah! give us - but Yesterday!"

ENVOY.

YOUTH, take heed to the prayer of these! Many there be by the dusty way,

Many that cry to the rocks and seas "Give us - ah! give us - but Yesterday!"