Autumn Leaves (1856), by John Everett Millais
Blighting forth from out the north,
Urus breathers his chilling breath,
Biting all, and blighting all,
Shrouding nature cold in death;
Telling but that mournful tale,
Which, alas! too well I know;
Soon disease like Urus’ gale,
Shall unnerve and lay me low.
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Making bare to wintry air,
Tender vine and stately oak;
Shaking off, and taking off,
Nature’s seared and sable cloak;
Telling how when fortune’s wheel
Starts upon its downward turn,
Even friends will aid its keel,
Associates laugh and kindred scorn.
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The trembling branch, with sudden wrench
From it grew is torn away,
And falling down, and rolling down,
It stops, and there begins decay;
Telling how within the breast
Oft the sweetest hopes may rise,
And how quick some cruel blast
Blows, and lo! it droops and dies.
JOHN DODSON TAYLOR, SR.
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