``Why am I deemed an enemy of men <br />Who would beyond Life's limit life prolong? <br />If they believe that they will live again, <br />How can it be that I have done them wrong? <br />Is it not I who rout the Winter snows, <br />And Spring's melodious symphonies renew, <br />Bring back the blush unto the budding rose, <br />And christen Summer's birth with morning dew? <br />'Tis I that ring the silvery nuptial peal, <br />When streams the Bridal up the rustic nave, <br />And if around the bier where mourners kneel <br />I toll the passing-bell and dig the grave, <br />From death and grief I half dispel the gloom, <br />Inscribing words of hope upon the loved one's tomb.''<br /><br />Alfred Austin<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/time-s-defence/
