Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895.

Earl of Southesk (Sir James Carnegie) b. 1827

November’s Cadence

THE BEES about the Linden-tree,

When blithely summer blooms were springing,

Would hum a heartsome melody,

The simple baby-soul of singing;

And thus my spirit sang to me

When youth its wanton way was winging:

“Be glad, be sad—thou hast the choice—

But mingle with music in thy voice.”

The linnets on the Linden-tree,

Among the leaves in autumn dying,

Are making gentle melody,

A mild, mysterious, mournful sighing;

And thus my spirit sings to me

While years are flying, flying, flying:

“Be sad, be sad, thou hast no choice,

But mourn with music in the voice.”