Classic Poem

I

For whom is Beauty? Where no eyes attend
As richly goes the day; and every dawn
Reddens along green rivers whereupon
None ever gaze. Think, could earth see an end
Of all the twilight lovers whose thoughts blend
With scents of garden blooms they call their own,
Would not as close the yellowest rose outblown
Be, after them, the unmurmurous evening's friend?
Then wherefore Beauty, if in mortal eye
That loves them stars no challenge read to shine,
And all the wonder of a sunset sky
Wax not more wondrous for such smile as thine?
Why, pray, if not for Love which cannot die —
This old earth-loving Love of thine and mine!

II

When we two from our summer hills have passed,
And Autumn burns beneath thy praise no more,
Nor any Winter's raving at our door
Shuts each within the other's heart more fast;
Neither Spring's roses learn what lips thou hast —
Oh, then this thing called Beauty to its core
Our wedded souls shall penetrate before
One thought unto Eternity is cast!
Then shall we know the violet's pretext; learn
More definite a promise of the rose,
And its fulfilment; when the maples turn,
Be part of all the glory among those;
Or help the May with her uncoiling fern,
And breathe the trillium open where it grows!