"May and Youth's a Heartsome Time" by Arthur E. Smith (1901)

"May and Youth's a Heartsome Time."

BY ARTHUR E. SMITH.

I.

Close yet a little while thine eyes,

        O, pretty woodland stream!

A little longer 'neath the skies

        My crocus, sleep and dream!

II.

Still are the winds both loud and keen

        Upon the open plain.

Beware, O, lilacs, op'ning green,

        Of frost and sleet and rain!

III.

And dare you join, ye sylvan sprites,

        In dance and minstrelsy

In these long frosty moonlit nights

        Beneath the hawthorn tree?

IV.

How closely now your buds are rolled,

        O, bonny briar rose!

Yet smiles of May will them unfold

        And young Love lingers close!

V.

I do not love the winter time,

        Nor yet the early spring!

My ears would hear the fountain's chime,

        And songs the throstles sing!

VI.

O, May and youth's a heartsome time!

        Young hearts, when it is day,

Go pluck the daisy in its prime

        Before it dares decay!

VII.

Be sure and do not lose your grip

        (While you are young) of Joy!

The happiness of heart and lip

        Is for the country boy!

Slateville, N. Y.

Troy Times. May 7, 1901: 4 col 6.