BALLADE. Love thou art sweet in the spring-time of sowing Lovely and soft when the young buds are growing 'Tis myself that I curse at, the wild thoughts flowing Like mountainous waves to my own o'erthrowing Sink thro' the quicksands that round them freeze, The world wide over young hearts are glowing Envoi. Love, free on the uplands, the lawns, and leas; JOHN CAMERon Grant. BALLADE.-LILITH. Lady, around thy throat Gleameth the one gold hair; Was moved by that mystic breeze, We sail in an open boat, 'Mid breakers that rage and tear, And ply the oars by rote As over the waves we fare, But never a moment dare Gaze down at the Form by our knees, For her eyes that thro' Self and thro' Soul do stare, Lilith, the first Love sees! Circle of wall and moat, Vain as the thought to wear Steely and tempered rare, For none there is who frees His soul from her spell, who hath all in care, L'Envoi. Maid without mate or pair, From the Past's pale Presences, Who is there but next his heart doth bear Lilith, the first Love sees ! JOHN CAMERON Grant. BALLADE OF ANTIQUE DANCES. Before the town had lost its wits, And scared the bravery from its beaux, The world rejoiced to point its toes The solemn fiddlers touch their kits; They move, to rhythms HANDEL knows, O Fans and Swords, O Sacques and Mits, Envoy. Muse of the many-twinkling hose, TERPSICHORE, O teach your pets The charm that shines, the grace that glows In Gigues, Gavottes, and Minuets. W. E. HENLEY. BALLADE OF DEAD ACTORS. Where are the passions they essayed, Into the night go one and all. Where are the braveries, fresh or frayed? The plumes, the armours -friend and foe? The cloth of gold, the rare brocade, The mantles glittering to and fro? The pomp, the pride, the royal show? The cries of war and festival? The youth, the grace, the charm, the glow ?— Into the night go one and all. The curtain falls, the play is played: Envoy. Prince, in one common overthrow The hero tumbles with the thrall: As dust that drives, as straws that blow, Into the night go one and all. 9 W. E. HENLEY. BALLADE OF JUNE. Lilacs glow, and jasmines climb, June takes up the sceptre of May, Lights and shadows in the lime Of the blackbird's roundelay! With Sir Love among the roses. O the cool sea's slumbrous chime! O the links that beach the bay, Tricked with meadow-sweet and thyme, Lush the hedgerows, ripe the hay! Many a maiden, binding posies, Finds herself at Yea-and-Nay With Sir Love among the roses. Envoi. Boys and girls, be wise, I pray! Do as dear Queen June proposes, For she bids you troop and stay With Sir Love among the roses. W. E. HENLEY. |