68 FLOTSAM
Reading edition
We did not share the same inheritance,— I and this woman, five years older than I, Yet daughter of a later century,— Who is therefore only wearied by that dance Which has set my blood a-leaping. It is queer To note how kind her face grows, listening To my wild talk, and plainly pitying My callow youth, and seeing in me a dear Amusing boy,—yet somewhat old to be Still reading Alice Through the Looking-Glass And Water Babies.... With light talk we pass. And I that have lived long in Arcady— I that have kept so many a foolish tryst, And written drivelling rhymes—feel stirring in me Droll pity for this woman who pities me, And whose weak mouth so many men have kissed.