RONDEAU.— WHEN SUMMER COMES.

When summer comes, and when o'er hill and lea

The sun's strong wooing glow hath patiently

Shed o'er the earth long days his golden dower,

And then, by force of his own loving power,

Drawn the hard frost, and left it passive, free

To give forth all its sweets untiringly,

Shall not the day rise fair for thee and me,

And all life seem but as an opening flower

When summer comes?

The days move slowly, young hearts yearn to be

Together always, cannot brook to see

Their love-days pass, and void each sunny hour,

Yet may we smile, e'en when fate's storm-clouds lower,

Waiting fulfilment of our hearts’ decree

When summer comes.