594. The Grave of Love I DUG, beneath the cypress shade, What well might seem an elfin's grave; And every pledge in earth I laid, That erst thy false affection gave. I press'd them down the sod beneath; I placed one mossy stone above; And twined the rose's fading wreath Around the sepulchre of love.

Frail as thy love, the flowers were dead Ere yet the evening sun was set: But years shall see the cypress spread, Immutable as my regret. 595. Three Men of Gotham SEAMEN three! What men be ye? Gotham's three wise men we be.

Whither in your bowl so free? To rake the moon from out the sea. The bowl goes trim. The moon doth shine.

And our ballast is old wine.-- And your ballast is old wine. Who art thou, so fast adrift? I am he they call Old Care.

Here on board we will thee lift. No: I may not enter there. Wherefore so? 'Tis Jove's decree, In a bowl Care may not be.

-- In a bowl Care may not be. Fear ye not the waves that roll? No: in charmed bowl we swim. What the charm that floats the bowl? Water may not pass the brim.

The bowl goes trim. The moon doth shine. And our ballast is old wine.

-- And your ballast is old wine. CAROLINE SOUTHEY. 1787-1854 596.