(A Rondel After Catulle Mendes)
I am the merle for whistling known,
And you, the sweet branch small and light;
I, gold and black; you, green and white;
I, full of songs; you, flower full-blown.
Take if you will my merry tone
And with your rose-blooms me requite;
I am the merle for whistling known,
And you the sweet branch small and light.
But should your blossoms--overthrown
By storm's or wind's or water's might--
Be swept to earth in sudden plight,
Count not on me for grief or groan;
I am the merle for whistling known.