VERSE: A LAMENT FOR THE SUMMER

By Adelaide Anne Procter

Moan, oh ye Autumn Winds!

Summer has fled,

The flowers have closed their tender leaves and die;

The Lily's gracious head

All low must lie,

Because the gentle Summer now is dead.

Grieve, oh ye Autumn Winds!

Summer lies low;

The rose's trembling leaves will soon be shed,

For she that loved her so,

Alas, is dead!

And one by one her loving children go.

Wail, oh ye Autumn Winds!

She lives no more,

The gentle Summer, with her balmy breath,

Still sweeter than before

When nearer death,

And brighter every day the smile she wore!

Mourn, mourn, oh Autumn Winds,

Lament and mourn;

How many half-blown buds must close and die;

Hopes with the Summer born

All faded lie,

And leave us desolate and Earth forlorn!