Classic Poem

I

Sweet , sweet, with the fairy feet,
Hasten down to the river-side,
Where the lilies float, and thy lover's boat
Waits for thee on the rippling tide —
Waits for thee,
While on meadow and tree
Magical sunset-lights fall free.

II

Now, sweet flower, for a happy hour, —
Thames beneath and the sky above:
Swiftly trip — there's an eager lip
Waits for thine with the thirst of love —
Waits for thine,
While a breeze divine
Ruffles the darkening woodland line.

III

Sad, though sweet, on the lawns to meet
By tranquil Thames — for a voice of fear
Whispereth that the angel Death
Waits for thee in some far-off year —
Waits for thee —
And our trysting tree
Other lovers shall often see.

IV

Wherefore haste, nor a moment waste
Of young love's exquisite golden days:
Dream not of night when an hour's delight
Waits for thee in the sunset haze —
Waits for thee
As the summer sea
For the river flowing by lawn and lea.