To Blossoms Fair pledges of a fruitful tree, Why do ye fall so fast ? Your date is not so past, But you may stay yet here awhile To blush and gently smile, And go at last What, were ye born to be An hour or half’s delight And so to bid good night ? ’Twas pity nature brought ye forth Merely to show your worth And lose you quite. But you are lovely leaves, where we May read how soon things have Their end, though ne’er so brave And after they have shown their pride Like you, awhile, they glide Into the grave. R. Herrick