RELUCTANT SUMMER

By William Watson

Reluctant Summer! once, a maid

Full easy of access,

In many a bee-frequented shade

Thou didst thy lover bless.

Divinely unreproved I played,

Then, with each liberal tress —

And art thou grown at last afraid

Of some too close caress?

Or deem'st that if thou shouldst abide

My passion might decay?

Thou leav'st me pining and denied,

Coyly thou say'st me nay.

Ev'n as I woo thee to my side,

Thou, importuned to stay,

Like Orpheus’ half-recovered bride

Ebb'st from my arms away.