Change Upon Change
Five months ago the stream did flow,
The lilies bloomed within the
sedge,
And we were lingering to and fro,
Where none will track thee in this snow,
Along the stream, beside the
hedge.
Ah, Sweet, be free to love and go!
For if I do not hear thy foot,
The frozen river is as mute,
The flowers have dried down to
the root:
And why, since these be changed
since May,
Shouldst
thou change less than they.
And slow, slow as the winter snow
The tears have drifted to mine
eyes;
And my poor cheeks, five months ago
Set blushing at thy praises so,
Put paleness on for a disguise.
Ah, Sweet, be free to praise and go!
For if my face is turned too
pale,
It was thine oath that first did
fail, --
It was thy love proved false and
frail, --
And why, since these be changed enow,
Should
I change less than thou.
