Classic Poem

Can I know it? — Nay. —
Shall I know it? — Yea,
When all mists have cleared away
For ever and aye. —

Why not then today? —
Who hath said thee nay?
Lift a hopeful heart and pray
In a humble way. —

Other hearts are gay. —
Ask not joy today:
Toil today along thy way
Keeping grudge at bay. —

On a past May-day
Flowers pranked all the way;
Nightingales sang out their say
On a night of May. —

Dost thou covet May
On an Autumn day?
Foolish memory saith its say
Of sweets past away. —

Gone the bloom of May,
Autumn beareth bay:
Flowerless wreath for head grown grey
Seemly were today. —

Dost thou covet bay?
Ask it not today:
Rather for a palm-branch pray;
None will say thee nay.