Nature

With a Copy of Aucassin and Nicolete

by James Russell Lowell 1819–1891

From Heartsease and Rue

Nature

Leaves fit to have been poor Juliet's cradle-rhyme,
With gladness of a heart long quenched in mould
They vibrate still, a nest not yet grown cold
From its fledged burthen. The numb hand of Time
Vainly his glass turns; here is endless prime;
Here lips their roses keep and locks their gold;
Here Love in pristine innocency bold
Speaks what our grosser conscience makes a crime.
Because it tells the dream that all have known
Once in their lives, and to life's end the few;
Because its seeds o'er Memory's desert blown
Spring up in heartsease such as Eden knew;
Because it hath a beauty all its own,
Dear Friend, I plucked this herb of grace for you.

MLA

Lowell, James Russell. “With a Copy of Aucassin and Nicolete.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/lowell/268/.

Chicago

Lowell, James Russell. “With a Copy of Aucassin and Nicolete.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/lowell/268/.

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