The yellow book: an illustrated quarterly (5.1895)

Refrains

By Leila Macdonald

“ . . . Whereupon coming to the bars of his window•
and looking out, he did begin to iveep and lament him, and
cry out on the good sun that shone e-ven into the-King's prison.
But most he did benvail that no one should pay heed to hh
death. ...”

Iknow not if the air is sweet, nor if the roses flower ;

I only hear one tiny bird that chirps the passing hour.
I know not if the air is sweet, nor if the roses flower.

If I could only flee the death that waits at break of day,
To some untravelled country-side I would escape away.

If I could only flee the death that waits at break of day.

I would not need a house, nor wife, nor even clothes to wear ^
But only God’s dear firmament, and sunshine, and the air.

/ would not need a house, nor wife, nor even clothes to wear.

What matter all the things men prize, comfort, and luxury,
When one may shout, and laugh, and run, and be at liberty ?
TVhat matter all the things men prize^ comfort, and luxury ?

What