Classic Poem

Over many a merry mile,
Down many a primrose way,
On many a blessed isle,
On many a jocund day,
In many a fragrant May,
In many a fair July
Our love has bloomed — but stay —
Good-by, my lover, good-by!

The days are a rosy file,
The nights are a flaming ray;
The days are a flowery pile,
The nights are a massed bouquet.
The sum of them all is gay,
And joyous they multiply.
They are gone. Let them go. Sing hey!
Good-by, my lover, good-by!
" Love, when you leave me, smile! "
Thus you were wont to pray,
" Singing a song the while. "
Hark to my roundelay!
Love is a comic play,
Something to versify,
Enduring as silver spray.
Good-by, my lover, good-by!

L'ENVOI

Love, how the world's gone gray;
Love, how the world's awry!
How can I ever say
" Good-by, my lover, good-by " ?