Measures

By Katharine Lee Bates

Measure grist by the millful,
Dew by the daffodilful,
April clouds by the skyful,
Tears by Ophelia's eyeful;
Measure leaves by the elmful,
Slaves by the tyrant's realmful,
Green-capped gnomes by the hillful,
Rhymes by Romeo's quillful;
Measure sweets by the jarful,
Dreams by the brooding starful,
Robes by the bridal chestful,
Songs by Bobolink's breastful;
Thorns by the rose's stemful,
Gems by the diademful,
Gold and dust by the cartful,
Only love by the heartful.