There-peace once more; the restless roar <br />Of troubled cities dies away. <br />``Welcome to our broad shade once more,'' <br />The dear old woodlands seem to say. <br /> <br />The sweet suggestions of the wind, <br />That spake in whispers, now are stilled; <br />The songless branches all remind <br />That summer's glory is fulfilled. <br /> <br />The petulant plaint of falling leaves <br />Dimples the leaden pool awhile; <br />So Age, impassive, but receives <br />Youth's tale of troubles with a smile. <br /> <br />O fallen leaves! O feelings dead! <br />O dimpled pool! O scornful lips! <br />O hardening of the heart and head!- <br />The summer's and the soul's eclipse! <br /> <br />Thus, as the seasons slip away, <br />How much is schemed, how little done! <br />What splendid plans at break of day! <br />What void regrets at set of sun! <br /> <br />The world goes round, for you, for me, <br />For him who sits, for him who strives, <br />And the great Fates indifferent see <br />The rage or respite of our lives. <br /> <br />Then fall, ye leaves! die out, thou breeze! <br />Grow sedges thick on every pool! <br />Let each old rushing impulse freeze, <br />Let each old generous friendship cool. <br /> <br />It is not love, it is not worth, <br />Self-sacrifice, or yearnings true, <br />Make the dull devotees of earth <br />Prostrate themselves and worship you. <br /> <br />The savage consciousness of powers, <br />The selfish purpose, stubborn will, <br />Have ever, in this world of ours, <br />Achieved success-achieve it still. <br /> <br />Farewell, ye woods! no more I sit; <br />Great voices in the distance call: <br />If this be peace-enough of it. <br />I go. Fall, unseen foliage, fall!<br /><br />Alfred Austin<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/in-sutton-woods/
