Because The Rose Must Fade

I BECAUSE the rose must fade, Shall I not love the rose? Because the summer shade Passes when winter blows, Shall I not rest me there In the cool air? II Because the sunset sky Makes music in my soul, Only to fail and die, Shall I not take the whole Of beauty that it gives While yet it lives? III Because the sweet of youth Doth vanish all too soon Shall I forget, forsooth, To learn its lingering tune; My joy to memorize In those young eyes? IV If, like the summer flower That blooms, —a fragrant death, — Keen music hath no power To live beyond its breath, Then of this flood of song Let me drink long! V All, yes, because the rose Doth fade like sunset skies; Because rude winter blows All bare, and music dies— Therefore, now is to me Eternity!