Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Théophile Julius Henry Marzials b. 1850

Carpe Diem

TO-DAY, what is there in the air

That makes December seem sweet May?

There are no swallows anywhere,

Nor crocuses to crown your hair,

And hail you down my garden way.

Last night the full moon’s frozen stare

Struck me, perhaps; or did you say

Really,—you ’d come, sweet friend and fair!

To-day?

To-day is here:—come! crown to-day

With Spring’s delight or Spring’s despair,

Love cannot bide old Time’s delay:—

Down my glad gardens light winds play,

And my whole life shall bloom and bear

To-day?