English Poetry. Richard Watson Gilder. The New Day. Part 3. 11. “Once Only”. Ричард Уотсон Гилдер.

Richard Watson Gilder (Ричард Уотсон Гилдер)

The New Day. Part 3. 11. “Once Only”

Once only, Love, may love's sweet song be sung;
But once, Love, at our feet love's flower is flung;
Once, Love, once only, Love, can we be young;
⁠Say shall we love, dear Love, or shall we hate!


Once only, Love, will burn the blood-red fire;
But once awakeneth the wild desire;
Love pleadeth long, but what if love should tire!
⁠Now shall we love, dear Love, or shall we wait!


The day is short, the evening cometh fast;
The time of choosing, Love, will soon be past;
The outer darkness falleth, Love, at last;
⁠Love, let us love ere it be late—too late!

Richard Watson Gilder’s other poems:

1. The New Day. Part 3. 30. The Sower
2. The New Day. Part 3. 15. Listening to Music
3. The New Day. Part 3. 22. The Lover’s Lord and Master
4. The New Day. Part 3. 23. Song (My love grew with the growing night)
5. The New Day. Part 3. 25. A Birthday Song

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