Clouds of Autumn sunset glowing
With ruby, gold and amethyst!
Not less fair to me for knowing
Ye are but shifting shreds of mist!

Moon of Summer, softly streaming
Through my windows silver-clear!
Not less tender is thy seeming,
Though a bleak and lifeless sphere.

Flower that springest like a lover
To kiss the ruddy lips of May!
Though thy bloom will soon be over,
Not less sweet art thou to-day.

Life that art so full of sorrow!
We've laughed together, thou and I,
Not less gayly, though to-morrow
We sigh, clasp hands and bid good-by.