Behold the grapes and all the fruits that Autumn gives today, As robed in red and gold, she rules, the Empress of Decay!
The noblest works of human art and pride show that their makers were not satisfied.
Life is the wave's deep whisper on the shore Of a great sea beyond.
Though Duty's face is stern, her path is best: They sweetly sleep who die upon her breast.
Love is the key-note of the universe-- The theme, the melody.
And once I knew a meditative rose That never raised its head from bowing down, Yet drew its inspiration from the stars. It bloomed and faded here beside the road, And, being a poet, wrote on empty air With fragrance all the beauty of its soul.