LET us keep him warm, Stir the dying fire: Upon his tired arm Slumbers young Desire. Soon, ah, very soon We too shall not know Either sun or moon, Either grass or snow. Others in our place Come to laugh and weep, Win or lose the race, And to fall asleep. Let us keep him warm, Stir the dying fire: Upon his tired arm Slumbers young Desire. What does all avail-- Love, or power, or gold? Life is like a tale Ended ere 't is told. Much is left unsaid, Much is said in vain-- Shall the broken thread Be taken up again? Let us keep him warm, Stir the dying fire: Upon his tired arm Slumbers young Desire. Kisses one or two On his eyelids set, That, when all is through, He may not forget. He has far to go-- Is it East or West? Whither? Who may know! Let him take his rest. Wind, and snow, and sleet-- So the long night dies. Draw the winding-sheet, Cover up his eyes. Let us keep him warm, Stir the dying fire: Upon his tired arm Slumbers young Desire. |