To D. C.

Shall tears be shed because the blossoms fall,

Because the cloudy cherry slips away,

And leaves its branches in a leafy thrall

Till ruddy fruits do hang upon the spray?

Shall tears be shed because the youthful bloom

And all th’excess of early life must fade

For larger wealth of joy in smaller room

To dwell contained in love of man and maid?

Nay, rather leap, O heart, to see fulfilled

In certain joy th’uncertain promised glee,

To have so many mountain torrents spilled

For one fair river moving to the sea.