Symbols

I watched a rosebud very long         Brought on by dew and sun and shower,         Waiting to see the perfect flower:     Then, when I thought it should be strong,         It opened at the matin hour     And fell at evensong.     I watched a nest from day to day,         A green nest full of pleasant shade,         Wherein three speckled eggs were laid:     But when they should have hatched in May,         The two old birds had grown afraid     Or tired, and flew away.     Then in my wrath I broke the bough         That I had tended so with care,         Hoping its scent should fill the air;     I crushed the eggs, not heeding how         Their ancient promise had been fair:     I would have vengeance now.     But the dead branch spoke from the sod,         And the eggs answered me again:         Because we failed dost thou complain?     Is thy wrath just? And what if God,         Who waiteth for thy fruits in vain,     Should also take the rod?