| I EXPECT you in September | |
| With the glory of the year: | |
| You shall make the Autumn precious, | |
| And the death of Summer dear; | |
| You shall help the days that shorten, | 5 |
| With a lengthening of delight; | |
| You shall whisper long-drawn blisses | |
| Through the gathering screen of night. | |
| |
| I will lead you, dream-enchanted, | |
| Where the fairest grasses grow; | 10 |
| I will hear your murmured music | |
| Where the fresh winds pipe and blow. | |
| On the brown heath, weird-encircled, | |
| Shall our noiseless footsteps fall,— | |
| We, communing with twin counsel, | 15 |
| Each to other all in all. | |
| |
| Leave the titles that men owe thee; | |
| Like the first pair let us meet; | |
| Name the world all over to me, | |
| New-created at thy feet; | 20 |
| Gentle task and duteous learning, | |
| I will hang upon thy breath | |
| With the tender zeal of childhood, | |
| With the constancy of death. | |
| |
| What shall be the gods declare not,— | 25 |
| They who stamp Love's burning coin | |
| Into spangles of a moment, | |
| Into stars that deathless shine. | |
| Oh! the foolish music lingers; | |
| For the theme is heavenly dear: | 30 |
| I expect you in September, | |
| With the glories of the year. | |
