Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Thomas BaileyAldrich

700 A Petition

TO spring belongs the violet, and the blown

Spice of the roses let the summer own.

Grant me this favor, Muse—all else withhold—

That I may not write verse when I am old.

And yet I pray you, Muse, delay the time!

Be not too ready to deny me rhyme;

And when the hour strikes, as it must, dear Muse,

I beg you very gently break the news.