That headlong ivy! not a leaf will grow
But thinking of a wreath, . . .
I read more

That headlong ivy! not a leaf will grow
But thinking of a wreath, . . .
I like such ivy; bold to leap a height
'Twas strong to climb! as good to grow on graves
As twist about a thyrsus; pretty too
(And that's not ill) when twisted round a comb.

Oh, a dainty plant is the ivy green,
That creepeth o'er ruins old!
Of right choice food read more

Oh, a dainty plant is the ivy green,
That creepeth o'er ruins old!
Of right choice food are his meals I ween,
In his cell so lone and cold.
. . . .
Creeping where no life is seen,
A rare old plant is the ivy green.

Bring, bring the madding Bay, the drunken wine;
The creeping, dirty, courtly Ivy join.

Bring, bring the madding Bay, the drunken wine;
The creeping, dirty, courtly Ivy join.

Wall must get the weather stain
Before they grow the ivy.

Wall must get the weather stain
Before they grow the ivy.

Round broken columns clasping ivy twin'd.

Round broken columns clasping ivy twin'd.

Direct
The clasping ivy where to climb.

Direct
The clasping ivy where to climb.

For ivy climbs the crumbling hall
To decorate decay.

For ivy climbs the crumbling hall
To decorate decay.

As creeping ivy clings to wood or stone,
And hides the ruin that it feeds upon.

As creeping ivy clings to wood or stone,
And hides the ruin that it feeds upon.

Where round some mould'ring tow'r pale ivy creeps,
And low-brow'd rocks hang nodding o'er the deeps.

Where round some mould'ring tow'r pale ivy creeps,
And low-brow'd rocks hang nodding o'er the deeps.