The Rubáiyát of a Bachelor

WAKE! For the Spring has scattered into flight
The Vows of Lent, and bids the heart be light.
Bring on the Roast, and take the Fish away!
The Season calls--and Woman's eyes are bright!

BEFORE the phantom of Pale Winter died,
Methought the Voice of Spring within me cried,
"When Hymen's rose-decked altars glow within,
Why nods the laggard _Bachelor_ outside?"

AND, at the Signal, I who stood before
In idle musing, shouted, "Say no more!
You know how little while we have to Love--
And Love's light Hand is knocking at the door!"

NOW, the New Moon reviving old desires,
The gallant Youth to