THE WISH FOR A CHAPLET

Vineleaf and rose I would my chaplet make: I would my word were wine for all men's sake. Pure from the pressing of the stainless feet Of unblamed Hours, and for an altar meet.

Vineleaf and rose: I would, had I the art, Distil, to lasting sweet, Joy's rosy heart, That no sere autumn should its fragrance wrong, Closed in the crystal glass of slender song.