THE CHOICE

Edith Nesbit 1858-1924

Plague take the dull and dusty town, 

Its paved and sordid mazes, 

Now Spring has trimmed her pretty gown 

With buttercups and daisies! 

With half my heart I long to lie 

Among the flowered grasses, 

And hear the loving leaves that sigh 

As their sweet Mistress passes. 

Through picture-shows I make my way 

While flower-crowned maids go maying, 

And all the cultured things I say 

That cultured folk are saying. 

For I renounce Spring's darling face, 

With may-bloom fresh upon it: 

My Mistress lives in Grosvenor-place 

And wears a Bond-street bonnet! 

-o0o-