267. To the Willow-tree

THOU art to all lost love the best,
The only true plant found,
Wherewith young men and maids distrest,
And left of love, are crown’d.

When once the lover’s rose is dead,	5
Or laid aside forlorn:
Then willow-garlands ’bout the head
Bedew’d with tears are worn.

When with neglect, the lovers’ bane,
Poor maids rewarded be	10
For their love lost, their only gain
Is but a wreath from thee.

And underneath thy cooling shade,
When weary of the light,
The love-spent youth and love-sick maid	15
Come to weep out the night.