English poem
The Four Seasons
by Frederick Locker-Lampson (1821–1895)
Two wayward imps, all smiles or tears, With large round eyes of ceaseless wonder, Small pitchers with extensive ears, And fingers prone to urchin plunder.
Two whisp'ring lovers--blissful pair! Is he the rogue? or hath she trick'd him? Unless he dupes his mistress there, The chances are, he'll fall a victim.
Two toiling ones of sober age (Their bet with Care a losing wager); They own, though now so very sage, They might have been a trifle sager!
Two frail old wretches, sick and sad, Yet sore dismayed lest Death should take them, --Come, hang it, things, though passing bad, Are not so bad as some would make them:
For, like yon clock, when twelve shall sound, The call these poor old souls obeying, Together shall their hands be found, An earnest they are humbly praying!