leaving aside that it is not april

[cerusee]

Translation by J.B. Leishman--I really love his translation; I spent about half an hour at the bookstore comparing different ones, and picked his because he conveys meaning and imagery also puts it into verses that scan beautifully and have evident form in English.

This struck me because it's fall, and here in New England, we have the weather to prove it. I'm happy.


To Autumn

Lord, it is time. The summer was so great.
Impose upon the sundials now your shadows
and round the meadows let the wind rotate.

Command the last fruits to incarnadine;
vouchsafe, to urge them on into completeness,
yet two more south-like days; and that last sweetness,
inveigle it into the heavy vine.

He'll not build now, who has no house awaiting.
Who's now alone, for long will so remain:
sit late, read, write long letters, and again
return to restlessly perambulating
the avenues of parks when leaves downrain.