Ballades and Rondeaus, Chants Royal, Sestinas, Villanelles, & C (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1888 edition. Excerpt: ...my dears, To kiss you, to laugh at your lovers' dismay, --My love was stronger and fiercer than theirs. Envoi. Prince was I ever of festival gay, And time never silvered my locks with grey; The love of your lovers is as hope that despairs, So think of me sometimes dear ladies I pray, My love was stronger and fiercer than theirs. George Moore. BALLAD. What do we here who, with reverted eyes, Turn back our longing from the modern air To the dim gold of long-evanished skies, When other songs in other mouths were fair? Why do we stay the load of life to bear, To measure still the weary, worldly ways, Waiting upon the still recurring sun, That ushers in another waste of days, Of roseless Junes and unenchanted Mays? Why, but because our task is yet undone? II. Were it not thus, could but our high emprise Be once fulfilled, which of us would forbear To seek that haven where contentment lies? Who would not doff at once life's load of care, To be at peace amid the silence there? Ah, who alas?--Across the heat and haze Death beckons to us in the shadow dun--Favouring and fair--" My rest is sweet," he says; But we reluctantly avert our gaze: Why, but because our task is yet undone? Songs have we sung, and many melodies Have from our lips had issue rich and rare; But never yet the conquering chant did rise, That should ascend the very heaven's stair, To rescue life from anguish and despair. Often and again, drunk with delight of lays, "Lo " have we cried, "this is the golden one That shall deliver us "--Alas 1 Hope's rays Die in the distance, and Lile's sadness stays. Why, but because our task is yet undone? Envoy. Great God of Love, thou whom all poets praise, Grant that the aim of rest for us be won; Let the light shine...