| Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922. | | | | Fading-leaf and Fallen-leaf | | By Richard Garnett (1835–1906) |
| | | SAID Fading-leaf to Fallen-leaf:— | |
| ‘I toss alone on a forsaken tree, | |
| It rocks and cracks with every gust that racks | |
| Its straining bulk; say, how is it with thee?’ | |
| |
| Said Fallen-leaf to Fading-leaf:— | 5 |
| ‘A heavy foot went by, an hour ago; | |
| Crushed into clay I stain the way; | |
| The loud wind calls me, and I cannot go.’ | |
| |
| Said Fading-leaf to Fallen-leaf:— | |
| ‘Death lessons Life, a ghost is ever wise; | 10 |
| Teach me a way to live till May | |
| Laughs fair with fragrant lips and loving eyes.’ | |
| |
| Said Fallen-leaf to Fading-leaf:— | |
| ‘Hast loved fair eyes and lips of gentle breath? | |
| Fade then and fall—thou hast had all | 15 |
| That Life can give: ask somewhat now of Death.’ | | | | |
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