Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed Your leaves, nor ever bid the Spring adieu; And, happy melodist, unwearied, For ever piping songs for ever new; More happy love! more happy, happy love! For ever warm and still to be enjoy'd, For ever panting, and for ever young; All breathing human passion far above, That leaves a heart high-sorrowful and cloy'd, A burning forehead, and a parching tongue.
Where these words come from
- 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
- Ode on a Grecian Urn, stanza 3 (1819); Exact wording and attribution checked. Complete stanza contrasting the pictured figures’ unchanging youth with transient human passion.
- Ode on a Grecian Urn, stanza 3 (1819)
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