Then, Most, I Smile

(“Il est un peu tard.”)
{Bk. III. xxx., Oct. 30, 1854.}

Late it is to look so proud,
Daisy queen! come is the gloom
Of the winter-burdened cloud!—
“But, in winter, most I bloom!”

Star of even! sunk the sun!
Lost for e’er the ruddy line;
And the earth is veiled in dun,—
“Nay, in darkness, best I shine!”

O, my soul! art ‘bove alarm,
Quaffing thus the cup of gall—
Canst thou face the grave with calm?—
“Yes, the Christians smile at all.”