The Sad Years/The Defenders

by Dora Sigerson Shorter

THE DEFENDERS

Leave me my dreams, and I shall not repine;
Youth's eager hours, love's restless holiday.
Leave me my dreams, a castled garden mine—
Where all unchid my wand'ring feet can stray.

Leave me my dreams, the foe is at my door,
Time's swinging scythe, and disappointed years.
Leave me my dreams, and they can yet restore
The crumbling walls, where crouch invading fears.

Leave me my dreams, nor can rude sorrow break
Into my fortress where content I go.
Leave me my dreams, and who dare combat make
On Youth's sweet hours, or lay Hope's castle low?