MY young lord's the lover <br />Of earth and sky above, <br />Of youth's sway and youth's play, <br />Of songs and flowers and love. <br />Yet for love's desire <br />Green youth lacks the daring; <br />Though one dream of fire, <br />All his hours ensnaring, <br />Burns the boy past bearing— <br />The dream that girls inspire. <br />My young lord's the lover <br />Of every burning thought <br />That Love's will, that Love's skill <br />Within his breast has wrought. <br />Lovely girl, look on him <br />Soft as music's measure; <br />Yield him, when you've won him, <br />Joys and toys at pleasure; <br />But to win your treasure, <br />Softly look upon him. <br />My young lord's the lover <br />Of every tender grace <br />That woman, to woo man, <br />Can wear in form or face. <br />Take him to your bosom <br />Now, girl, or never; <br />Let not your new blossom <br />Of sweet kisses sever; <br />Only guard for ever <br />Your boast within your bosom. <br />My young lord's the lover <br />Of every secret thing, <br />Love-hidden, love-bidden <br />This day to banqueting. <br />Lovely girl, with vaunting <br />Never tempt to-morrow: <br />From all shapes enchanting <br />Any joy can borrow, <br />Still the spectre Sorrow <br />Rises up for haunting. <br />And now my lord's the lover <br />Of ah! so many a sweet,— <br />Of roses, of spouses, <br />As many as love may greet.<br /><br />Dante Gabriel Rossetti<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/youth-and-lordship/
