“I WOULD NOT HAVE THEE YOUNG AGAIN.”

I would not have thee young again

Since I myself am old;

Not that thy youth was ever vain,

Or that my age is cold;

But when upon thy gentle face

I see the shades of time,

A thousand memories replace

The beauties of thy prime.

Though from thine eyes of softest blue

Some light hath passed away,

Love looketh forth as warm and true

As on our bridal day.

I hear thy song, and though in part

’Tis fainter in its tone,

I heed it not, for still thy heart

Seems singing to my own.