Five Months Ago the stream did flow,
The lilies bloomed within the sedge,
And we were lingering to and fro
Where none will track thee in this snow,
Along the stream, beside the hedge.
Ah, sweet, be free from love and go!
For, if I do not hear thy foot,
The frozen river is as mute,
The flowers have dried down to the root:
And why, since these be changed since May,
Shouldst thou change less than they?
And slow, slow as the winter snow,
The tears have drifted to mine eyes;
And my poor cheeks, five months ago
Set blushingat thy praises so,
Put paleness on for a disguise.
Ah, sweet, be free to praise and go!
For, if my face is to turn too pale,
It was thine oath that first did fail;
It was thy love proved false and frail:
And why, since these be changed enow,
Should I change less than now?
