“VENITE, DESCENDAMUS”

The Database of Ornament

                        LET be at last : give over words and sighing,
                                   Vainly were all things said :
                        Better, at last, to find a place for lying,
                                          Only dead.

                        Silence were best, with songs and sighing over ;
                                   Now be the music mute :
                        Now let the dead, red leaves of autumn cover
                                          A vain lute !

                        Silence is best : for ever and for ever,
                                   We will go down to sleep,
                        Somewhere, beyond her ken, where she need never
                                          Come to weep.

                        Let be at last : colder she grows, and colder ;
                                   Sleep and the night were best ;
                        Lying, at last, where we cannot behold her,
                                          We may rest.

                                                                        ERNEST DOWSON.