THE WISH FOR A CHAPLET

Vineleaf and rose I would my chaplet make:

I would my word were wine for all men's sake.

Pure from the pressing of the stainless feet

Of unblamed Hours, and for an altar meet.

Vineleaf and rose: I would, had I the art,

Distil, to lasting sweet, Joy's rosy heart,

That no sere autumn should its fragrance wrong,

Closed in the crystal glass of slender song.