ONCE FOR ALL.

I said: This is a beautiful fresh rose. I said: I will delight me with its scent, Will watch its lovely curve of languishment, Will watch its leaves unclose, its heart unclose.

I said: Old Earth has put away her snows, All living things make merry to their bent, A flower is come for every flower that went In autumn; the sun glows, the south wind blows.

So walking in a garden of delight I came upon one sheltered shadowed nook Where broad leaf shadows veiled the day with night, And there lay snow unmelted by the sun:—

I answered: Take who will the path I took, Winter nips once for all; love is but one.