C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

To Francesca

SING Waller’s lay,

“Go, lovely rose,” or some old song,

That should I play

Feebly, thy voice may make me strong

With loving memories cherished long.

Sing “Drink to me,”

Or “Take, oh take those lips away;”

Some strain to be—

When I am gone and thou art gray—

Remembered of a happier day.

A solemn air,

A melody not loud but low,

Suits whitening hair;

And when the pulse is beating slow,

The music’s measure should move so.

The song most sweet

Is that which lulls, not thrills, the ear;

So, love, repeat

For one who counteth silence dear,

That which to silence is most near.